A refreshing and flavorful Mediterranean Pasta Salad packed with fresh vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Tips for the Best Mediterranean Pasta Salad
🔥 Choose the Right Pasta:Opt for short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne. These shapes hold the dressing and mix well with veggies and cheese. 🔥 Cook the Pasta Al Dente:
For the best texture, cook the pasta until it’s just al dente — firm to the bite — so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed. 🔥 Dress While Warm:
Toss the pasta with a bit of olive oil while it’s still warm to prevent it from sticking together, then let it cool completely before adding the other ingredients. 🔥 Use Fresh Veggies:
Add cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and olives for crunch and flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley also add a burst of freshness. 🔥 Add Cheese for Creaminess:
Feta is the classic choice, but you can also use mozzarella or goat cheese for a creamier texture. 🔥 Let It Marinate:
Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for at least an hour (or overnight) to let the flavors fully develop. 🔥 Customize to Taste:
Feel free to add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra heartiness, or swap ingredients to suit your preferences.
Nutrition
Serving: 1gCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 12mgSodium: 480mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 2mg