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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad for Perfect Picnics

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad combines vibrant ingredients, capturing sunny flavors, perfect for gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 14 oz Pasta Rotini or penne for optimal dressing retention
  • 1 large Cucumber Peeled & sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
  • 18 oz Cherry Tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup Olives Preferably Mezzetta sliced kalamata
  • 5 oz Feta Crumbled for texture right before serving
  • 1/2 Red Onion Halved
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Chopped
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil Preferably extra-virgin
  • 4 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Honey
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly pressed
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional for extra kick

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Pot
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and pressed garlic. Sprinkle in oregano, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes.
  3. Prep Vegetables: While pasta cooks, wash and prepare vegetables: slice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, chop red onion and parsley.
  4. Rinse Pasta: Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water for 20-30 seconds to prevent gumminess.
  5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, pour in the prepared dressing, add the drained pasta, and toss gently.
  6. Add Vegetables: Fold in cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, red onion, and parsley. Toss gently to combine.
  7. Chill: Cover with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Letting the salad rest improves flavor. Save some dressing to add before serving if needed.

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