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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Delicious Mediterranean Pasta Salad for Effortless Entertaining

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a vibrant and healthy option, perfect for gatherings and packed with flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 14 oz Pasta (Rotini or Penne)
  • 1 Large Cucumber Try zucchini for a different texture
  • 18 oz Cherry Tomatoes Grape tomatoes also work
  • 3/4 Cup Olives (Sliced Kalamata) Omit for a milder flavor
  • 5 oz Feta Cheese Cottage cheese is a dairy-free alternative
  • 1/2 Cup Red Onion Green onions offer a milder taste
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley Basil or oregano can provide a twist
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 Cup Olive Oil (Extra-Virgin) Enhances flavor immensely
  • 4 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Lemon juice is a bright alternative
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Could substitute lime juice
  • 2 tsp Oregano Thyme or Italian seasoning can diversify flavor
  • 1 tsp Honey Maple syrup is a vegan option
  • 3 Cloves Garlic Freshly pressed adds robust flavor
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper Adjust for heat preference
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Consider sea salt or kosher
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional based on taste preference

Equipment

  • large pot
  • medium bowl
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • knife
  • cutting board

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, pressed garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Allow to sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
  3. Chop the Vegetables: Wash and chop cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, and chop parsley.
  4. Rinse and Cool the Pasta: Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta down. Transfer to a mixing bowl.
  5. Combine Pasta and Vinaigrette: Pour vinaigrette over warm pasta and toss to coat evenly.
  6. Add Vegetables and Feta: Gently fold in cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, onion, and parsley. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
  7. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving. Toss gently and adjust with olive oil if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad is ideal for potlucks or picnics and can be made a day in advance for enhanced flavors.

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