
Mediterranean Cold Pasta Salad
Transport yourself to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean with this vibrant Cold Pasta Salad, a fusion of fresh flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. The al dente pasta serves as a hearty base, while crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and briny black olives add a refreshing crunch. Creamy feta cheese brings a delightful richness, perfectly balanced by a zesty homemade Italian dressing that ties all the ingredients together. This salad is a celebration of seasonal produce and Mediterranean culinary traditions, making it an ideal choice for summer picnics, potlucks, or as a light and satisfying lunch. Dive into a bowl of this colorful delight and experience the essence of the Mediterranean with every bite!
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- Pasta (8 ounces (such as penne or rotini))
- Cucumber (1 large, diced)
- Cherry tomatoes (1 pint, halved)
- Red onion (1/2 medium, finely chopped)
- Black olives (1/2 cup, sliced)
- Feta cheese (1 cup, crumbled)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- Olive oil (1/4 cup)
- Red wine vinegar (2 tablespoons)
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon)
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the Italian dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour the homemade Italian dressing over the pasta mixture, tossing gently to combine and evenly coat the ingredients.
- Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled and relish the colorful, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean!
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 • Dish Type: Salad • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 10 minutes • Calories: 300 • Fat: 15g • Carbs: 35g • Protein: 9g • Sodium: 400mg • Sugar: 3g