Description
This vibrant Mediterranean pasta salad is packed with fresh vegetables, tangy olives, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect as a refreshing side dish for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and colorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the rotini or penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, pitted and halved Kalamata olives, sliced roasted red peppers, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the zesty dressing.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad for a fresh herbaceous note. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- You can add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This salad is a great make-ahead option for entertaining or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
