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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad packed with fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, perfect for any gathering.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Base Ingredients
  • 14 oz Barilla rotini or penne pasta For better dressing adherence, use rotini or penne.
  • 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
  • 18 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3/4 cup Mezzetta sliced kalamata olives For a briny punch.
  • 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled Use high-quality for the best flavor.
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Richer flavor base.
  • 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, freshly pressed For aromatic goodness.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes For a subtle kick.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare your vegetables: slice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
Dressing
  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Mixing
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, parsley, and feta.
  2. Drizzle with the dressing and toss gently to combine all the flavors.
Chilling
  1. Let your salad sit for at least 30 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

Use fresh herbs instead of dried for more intense flavor. Avoid overcooking the pasta.