Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta Olives Recipe
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Bursting with fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, along with briny Kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese, this salad is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Tossed in a tangy homemade dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and oregano, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. Ideal as a side dish, light lunch, or even a picnic staple, this salad is quick to make, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
8 oz (about 225g) rotini or penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
Prepare the Veggies:
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. Slice the Kalamata olives, and chop the fresh parsley and basil (if using).
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, parsley, and basil.
Add the Dressing:
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine everything evenly.
Chill and Serve:
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marinate.
Garnish (Optional):
Before serving, you can sprinkle a little extra feta, olives, or fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Tips:
Feel free to add other ingredients like roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or grilled chicken for extra protein.
If you want to make it vegan, just omit the feta or substitute it with a plant-based version.
This salad keeps well in the fridge for 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Enjoy your Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives! It’s packed with fresh flavors and great for any occasion.