Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This vibrant pasta salad is a great way to bring Mediterranean flavors to your table.
Total
25 min
Servings
4-6
Level
Easy
Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a quick lunch option.
This salad combines pasta with olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The zesty dressing ties everything together, making each bite refreshing and satisfying.
Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in advance. It's a versatile dish that can easily be customized to suit your taste preferences.
01What you'll need
Ingredients
10 items · 4-6
- 8 oz (225 g) penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 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 extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
02How to make it
Step-by-step
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Prepare the vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and slice the olives and red onion.
Mix the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
Combine salad ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
Dress the salad
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
03From our kitchen
Cook's tips
- This salad can be made a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator. Just give it a good toss before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Swap out feta cheese for goat cheese or add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- If you want to add more veggies, bell peppers and artichoke hearts are great options.
Cook's note
Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal.
04Frequently asked
Questions & answers
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like fusilli or farfalle works well.
Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar?
You can use white wine vinegar or lemon juice as substitutes.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?
Rinse the pasta under cold water after draining to remove excess starch and cool it down.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Absolutely, just use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
What can I use instead of Kalamata olives?
Black olives or green olives can be used if you prefer.
05Keep cooking
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