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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean pasta salad loaded with fresh vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne) Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved.
  • 1 cup cucumber Diced.
  • 1/2 cup red onion Finely chopped.
  • 1/2 cup black olives Sliced.
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese Crumbled.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley Chopped.
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil Chopped.
For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil High quality for best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Adds acidity.
  • 1 lemon juice Freshly squeezed.
  • 1 clove garlic Minced.
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano For Mediterranean flavor.

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. This ensures the pasta retains its shape and texture.
  2. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps cool the pasta down for the salad.
Chop the Vegetables
  1. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion. This adds freshness and crunch to the salad.
  2. Slice the black olives and crumble the feta cheese. Set aside.
Make the Dressing
  1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Whisking emulsifies the oil and vinegar, creating a smooth dressing.
  2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning based on your preference.
Combine Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
  2. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. This ensures every ingredient is coated with the flavorful dressing.
Serve
  1. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits. Feel free to customize with additional ingredients like artichokes or bell peppers.

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