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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad That Will Steal Your Heart

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This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for summer gatherings and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 270

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 14 oz Pasta Opt for rotini or penne, which hold dressing well; avoid long noodles.
  • 1 large Cucumber Adds refreshing crunch; peel and slice into 1/2-inch half-moons.
  • 18 oz Cherry Tomatoes Contributes sweet juiciness; halve before adding for more flavor.
  • 3/4 cup Olives Preferably kalamata; provides briny flavor; any briny olive works.
  • 5 oz Feta Cheese Offers creamy tang; fold in just before serving for optimal texture.
  • 1/2 Red Onion Adds sharpness; slice thinly for a milder flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped; enhances freshness; any fresh herb like basil can substitute.
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil The fat base for the dressing; extra-virgin gives richer flavor.
  • 4 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Provides acidity to balance flavors nicely.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Brightens the dressing and elevates the overall profile.
  • 2 tsp Oregano Adds herbal depth; fresh oregano can be substituted (use 1 tbsp).
  • 1 tsp Honey Balances acidity with mild sweetness for extra depth.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly pressed; brings aromatic flavor; roasted garlic can add sweetness.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Essential for seasoning to your taste.
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper Essential for seasoning to your taste.
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Adds subtle heat; omit for a milder salad.

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • large pot
  • colander
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool.
  3. Prepare the vegetables: peel and slice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, slice red onion thinly, and chop parsley.
  4. Once pasta is cooked, rinse under cold water for 20-30 seconds to stop cooking.
  5. In a large bowl, toss the pasta with the dressing, then add cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta, red onion, and parsley. Mix gently.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, allowing flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 8gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad can be customized with grilled chicken or seasonal vegetables. Use the freshest ingredients for best results.

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