Mediterranean Cold Pasta Salad

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

  1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Pour the homemade Italian dressing over the pasta mixture, tossing gently to combine and evenly coat the ingredients.
  5. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
  7. 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