Save A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad featuring tangy feta, briny olives, ripe tomatoes, and crisp vegetables—all tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing. The perfect light Mediterranean-inspired plate for warm weeknight dinners.
This salad quickly became a family favorite during warm evenings, with everyone enjoying the fresh combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle), Salt for boiling water
- Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 medium cucumber diced, 1 small red onion thinly sliced, 1/2 red bell pepper diced
- Cheese & Olives: 150 g (5 oz) feta cheese crumbled, 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
- Dressing: 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 clove garlic minced, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1 tbsp fresh basil sliced (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper.
- Step 3:
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the vegetables.
- Step 4:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Step 5:
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 6:
- Add the crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, parsley, and basil (if using). Toss lightly to distribute.
- Step 7:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Save This salad brings back memories of relaxed family dinners, sharing stories and laughter around the table as everyone enjoys the fresh flavors.
Additional Tips
For extra flavor, try adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts to the salad.
Serving Suggestions
Pair the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. It also goes wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Toss gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Save This pasta salad is a refreshing and easy recipe perfect for any occasion, delivering both taste and nutrition in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing well and complement the crunchy vegetables.
- → How can I keep the salad fresh before serving?
Chill the assembled pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and keep it crisp.
- → Can I substitute the feta cheese with another cheese?
Yes, options like goat cheese or ricotta salata provide a similar tangy, creamy touch if preferred.
- → What dressing ingredients balance the flavors?
Extra-virgin olive oil combined with fresh lemon juice, oregano, garlic, and seasoning creates a bright, zesty dressing.
- → Are there suggestions to enhance this pasta salad?
Try adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts for deeper flavor complexity.