Save to Pinterest A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad featuring tangy feta, briny olives, ripe tomatoes, and crisp vegetables—all tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing. The perfect light Mediterranean-inspired plate for warm weeknight dinners.
This pasta salad has become a go-to for my family during hot evenings. Its fresh ingredients and zesty dressing always bring smiles to the table.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle), Salt for boiling water
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 medium cucumber diced, 1 small red onion thinly sliced, 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- Cheese & Olives: 150 g (5 oz) feta cheese crumbled, 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
- Dressing: 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 clove garlic minced, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1 tbsp fresh basil sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper.
- Step 3:
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the vegetables.
- Step 4:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 5:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 6:
- Add the crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, parsley, and basil (if using). Toss lightly to distribute.
- Step 7:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around this salad during summer nights, making it a staple for easy dinners and weekend lunches.
Notes
For extra flavor add roasted red peppers sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts. Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Excellent with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large mixing bowl Small bowl or jar (for dressing) Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories 410 Total Fat 19 g Carbohydrates 48 g Protein 13 g
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This salad is perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better the next day.