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Fresh Mediterranean Pasta Salad

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A quick and easy Mediterranean pasta salad perfect for summer picnics, featuring fresh veggies, olives, feta, and a tangy lemon dressing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 3/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and slightly emulsified.
  4. Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber, finely dice red onion, and chop fresh parsley and oregano. Add all to the bowl with the pasta.
  5. Add Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the pasta and veggies.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss with a salad spoon or spatula until evenly coated.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after cooking to stop cooking and remove excess starch, which prevents sogginess. Toss dressing gradually and gently to keep veggies crisp and feta intact. Salad tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes but can be served immediately if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean pasta salad, summer salad, picnic dish, easy pasta salad, feta pasta salad, healthy pasta salad

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/fresh-mediterranean-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-summer-picnic-dish/