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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Written by Laura Schaefer

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Posted on August 18 2023

 

If you're craving a taste of the Mediterranean, this refreshing and vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to satisfy your palate. Bursting with fresh vegetables, tangy olives, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette, it's a delightful blend of flavors and textures

  • 1 pint Cherry or grape tomatoes
  • 1 English cucumber
  • 2 Garlic cloves, small
  • 2 tsp Oregano, dried
  • 12 oz Pasta, dry
  • half of a medium red onion, peeled and thinly sliced

    Vinaigrette

    • 1 tsp Honey
    •  2/3 cup Kalamata olives
    •  1 tbsp Lemon juice, freshly-squeezed
    • 1/4 tsp Black pepper, freshly-cracked
    • 1 pinch Red pepper flakes
    • 1/4 tsp Salt
    • 1/4 cup Olive oil, extra virgin
    • 3 tbsp Red wine vinegar
    • 4 oz Feta cheese
      Instructions:
      1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
      2. Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, freshly-squeezed lemon juice, minced oregano, honey, minced garlic, black pepper, salt, and crushed red pepper flakes. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
      3. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, diced English cucumber, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and thinly sliced red onion.
      4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the lemon-herb vinaigrette over the salad ingredients. Start with a portion of the vinaigrette and add more to taste. Gently toss the salad to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
      5. Chill and Serve: Once the salad is well-mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
      6. Enjoy: Serve the Mediterranean Pasta Salad cold as a refreshing main dish or a side dish. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or as a light and healthy lunch option.
                Tips:
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                  Feel free to customize the salad by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
                • You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but farfalle (bowtie pasta) works particularly well for capturing the vinaigrette and holding the ingredients.
                • Adjust the quantities of the vinaigrette ingredients to suit your taste preferences. If you like it tangier, add more lemon juice or vinegar; if you prefer it sweeter, adjust the honey.

                With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad is sure to become a staple in your summer recipe collection. Bon appétit!

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