Description
A fresh and vibrant 30-Minute Mediterranean Pasta Salad loaded with crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty homemade dressing—perfect for quick meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
- For the salad:
- 14 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
- 18 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly pressed
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, freshly pressed garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Continue whisking until the mixture slightly emulsifies into a cohesive dressing. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to deepen and blend.
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3. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables by slicing the cucumber, halving the cherry tomatoes, thinly slicing the red onion, and chopping the parsley.
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5. Step 3: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse briefly with cold water for about 20–30 seconds to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. Transfer the slightly warm pasta to a large mixing bowl.
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7. Step 4: Immediately pour the prepared dressing over the warm pasta. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated, allowing the pasta to absorb the flavors more effectively.
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9. Step 5: Add the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, red onion, and parsley to the bowl. Gently toss everything together until well combined and evenly distributed.
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11. Step 6: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later to allow the flavors to meld even further.
Notes
For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
You can substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier texture.
Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 1800
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 95g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 70g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 180g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 60mg