Description
Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a delicious and vibrant dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Known for its health benefits and emphasis on fresh ingredients, this salad not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body. With a medley of colorful vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, this recipe is perfect for a lunch, dinner, or a side dish at any gathering. Its versatility makes it a favorite for summer picnics, barbecues, and potlucks.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, or farfalle
- 1 each English cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 each red onion, thinly sliced
- 2/3 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 4 ounce feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 each garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, following the package directions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2. Prepare the Dressing: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and emulsified.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, sliced kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything gently to ensure it’s evenly coated.
4. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, refrigerate your Mediterranean Pasta Salad for 15 to 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a refreshing dish that everyone will love.
Notes
Feel free to experiment with your ingredients! If you prefer gluten-free options, consider using gluten-free pasta. Seasonal vegetables can vary according to your personal preference, and different types of olives and cheeses can add a unique twist to the traditional recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg