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Classic Refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta and Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

A vibrant bowl of Mediterranean pasta salad featuring rotini pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives.
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You make this vibrant, flavorful Mediterranean pasta salad in under 30 minutes. It features al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a zesty homemade lemon-herb dressing. This cold pasta salad is perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, seeded and chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the lemon-herb vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, chopped cucumber, halved Kalamata olives, sliced red onion, and fresh parsley.
  4. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.

Notes

  • For best results when making ahead, reserve half of the feta cheese and add it just before serving to keep it from getting too soft.
  • This salad tastes better after chilling for several hours, making it an ideal make-ahead pasta salad for gatherings.
  • If you want a heartier meal, add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken breast.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/mediterranean-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-cold/