Teresa's Recipes
Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Experience a burst of fresh Mediterranean flavors with this vibrant pasta salad. Loaded with crunchy vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and tossed in a homemade Dijon vinaigrette, this pasta salad is the perfect dish for a light lunch or a side at your next picnic or barbecue. The recipe takes you on a culinary journey to the Mediterranean coast, highlighting the region's love for fresh produce, bold flavors, and simple yet delicious meals.
Ingredients
- To taste Salt and Pepper
- 1, minced Garlic Clove
- 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard
- 1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 1/2 cup Olive Oil
- 1/4 cup, chopped Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 cup, crumbled Feta Cheese
- 1/2 cup, sliced Black Olives
- 1/2, thinly sliced Red Onion
- 1, diced Bell Pepper
- 1, diced Cucumber
- 1 cup, halved Cherry Tomatoes
- 8 ounces Pasta
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Salad
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Carbs: 38g
- Protein: 9g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Sugar: 6g
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing emulsifies.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil.
- Pour the homemade Dijon vinaigrette over the pasta salad. Toss until everything is well coated in the dressing.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together and the pasta to absorb the dressing.
- Before serving, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips
- For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta.