Description
Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Packed with al dente pasta, ripe cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta cheese, this salad is as visually appealing as it is delicious. It’s the perfect choice for summer barbecues, picnics, or a light lunch, coming together in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups short pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted)
- 3/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over it. Toss gently to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: - Feel free to customize your salad by adding bell peppers or artichokes based on personal preference. - For an added protein boost, consider including grilled chicken or chickpeas. - To maintain freshness, keep dressing separate until just before serving.