Teresa's Recipes
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!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (such as penne or rotini) Pasta
- 1 large, diced Cucumber
- 1 pint, halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 medium, finely chopped Red onion
- 1/2 cup, sliced Black olives
- 1 cup, crumbled Feta cheese
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
Dietary Notes
- 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
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!
Tips
- For added protein, consider including grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Feel free to swap out the feta with goat cheese or omit it for a dairy-free version.
- Experiment with seasonal vegetables like bell peppers or artichokes for extra flavor.