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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is loaded with pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and a fresh lemon dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cucumber sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • For the Dressing
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely.
  3. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add the sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl with the pasta.
  5. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together gently until evenly coated.
  7. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the salad and mix lightly.
  8. Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend together.
  9. Toss once more before serving and add extra feta or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Cook the pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after chilling.
  • Rinsing the pasta under cold water helps stop overcooking and cools it quickly.
  • Use good quality olive oil for the best dressing flavor.
  • Fresh lemon juice gives the salad a brighter taste than bottled juice.
  • Add feta cheese gently to keep it from crumbling too much.
  • Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor.
  • Taste before serving and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.