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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A vibrant and satisfying Mediterranean Pasta Salad featuring a light lemon-herb vinaigrette, fresh vegetables, and feta cheese, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz dry farfalle pasta (or rotini, penne, or any short pasta)
  • 1 cup English cucumber, diced (about 1.5 cups)
  • 1.5 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
For the Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • a pinch crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a full, rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt to the water before the pasta goes in.
  2. Once the water boils and the salt dissolves, add the dry pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta immediately and run cold water over it for 20 to 30 seconds to stop the cooking process.
  4. Dice the English cucumber into 1/2-inch pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the kalamata olives if whole. Thinly slice the red onion.
  5. Soak the red onion slices in cold water for 5 minutes if they are too sharp, then drain and pat dry.
  6. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, honey, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until fully combined.
  7. Taste the dressing and adjust as necessary before adding to the salad.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, sliced olives, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta.
  2. Pour about two-thirds of the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently.
  3. Taste the salad before adding the remaining dressing and adjust as needed.
  4. If time permits, chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Right before serving, garnish with extra crumbled feta and a crack of black pepper.

Notes

This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day. Customize it by adding proteins like grilled chicken, swapping pasta types, or adding fresh herbs.