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Irresistible Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad featuring fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, perfect for any gathering or meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Vegetables
  • 2 cups Pasta (such as penne or fusilli) Feel free to swap whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved) Their sweetness balances the savoriness of the others.
  • 1 cup Cucumber (diced) Adds a refreshing crunch.
  • 1 cup Bell peppers (diced, any color) For that beautiful pop and sweetness.
  • 1 small Red onion (finely chopped) Use green onions for a milder taste.
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (sliced) Essential for the Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese (crumbled) You could replace it with goat cheese for a tangy twist.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (chopped) Brings brightness.
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil Helps bring all the ingredients together.
  • 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar Adds acidity to balance the flavors.
  • to taste Salt and pepper To taste.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Preparing the Vegetables
  1. While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the olives.
Making the Dressing
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
Combining the Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, feta, and fresh parsley.
Dressing the Salad
  1. Pour the dressing over the salad, mixing gently to combine all the components. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Chilling
  1. For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serving
  1. Enjoy it as a side dish or a main meal!

Notes

This salad is versatile; add grilled chicken or shrimp for protein or roasted vegetables for a warm variation. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.