Description
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a vibrant medley of textures and flavors, featuring al dente pasta enveloped in a creamy dressing that balances tangy and savory notes. Each bite bursts with the freshness of crisp vegetables and the briny goodness of olives and feta, creating a delightful experience that is both satisfying and refreshing.
Ingredients
Scale
- Pasta: 8 oz. rotini or penne, cooked al dente
- Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- Cheese: 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Olives: 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- Herbs:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Dressing:
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are well coated.
- Fold in the chopped parsley and basil, mixing until evenly distributed.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- This salad can be made a day in advance; just keep it covered in the refrigerator.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a vegan option, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and omit feta cheese.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 450 milligrams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 8 grams
- Cholesterol: 20 milligrams
Keywords: Mediterranean Pasta Salad, pasta salad, Greek salad, summer salad, healthy salad, vegetarian pasta, creamy dressing, fresh vegetables, easy salad recipe, make-ahead salad, Mediterranean cuisine, quick lunch, side dish