Description
Mediterranean Pasta Salad is the perfect recipe to bring fresh and vibrant flavors to your summer meals. With its delicious combination of pasta, vegetables, olives, feta, and a zesty dressing, it’s a dish that can be enjoyed at any gathering. The versatility of this salad makes it easy to customize to your tastes or dietary needs, and its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients are sure to make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re planning a picnic, BBQ, or simply looking for a light yet satisfying meal, this salad is an excellent choice. With just the right balance of healthy fats, protein, and carbs, it’s both nutritious and delicious. Don’t hesitate to try this
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups whole wheat or gluten-free pasta (fusilli, rotini, or penne work great)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (or vegan feta for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, ensuring the pasta is al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it quickly and stop the cooking process. Set it aside to finish cooling.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, take the time to prepare your vegetables. Chop the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives. If you’re using roasted red peppers, chop them as well. Lastly, chop the fresh parsley for a burst of green color and flavor.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and garlic powder. Whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Assemble the Salad
Once your pasta has cooled and your vegetables are prepared, it’s time to assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
5. Chill & Serve
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. After chilling, give the salad a final toss and sprinkle with extra parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. It tastes even better the next day! Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or light lunches.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mediterranean
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean Pasta Salad