Irresistible Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
This Irresistible Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish featuring al dente pasta tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny kalamata olives, tangy feta cheese, and a vibrant homemade vinaigrette. Perfect for gatherings or light meals, this salad combines fresh ingredients with a zesty dressing infused with garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes for a true Mediterranean taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 14 oz Barilla rotini or penne pasta
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
- 18 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3/4 cup Mezzetta sliced kalamata olives
- 5 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, freshly pressed
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, freshly pressed garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until the mixture emulsifies slightly. Allow it to sit for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the garlic and herbs infuse into the dressing.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually around 9-11 minutes depending on the pasta type.
- Prep the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, peel and slice the cucumber into 1/2-inch half-moons, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the fresh parsley. Having these ready will speed up the salad assembly.
- Drain and Rinse Pasta: Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it briefly with cold water for 20-30 seconds to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. This prevents the pasta from sticking and becoming gummy.
- Toss Pasta with Dressing: Transfer the still-slightly-warm pasta to a large mixing bowl. Immediately pour the dressing over the pasta and toss well so the warm noodles absorb the flavors evenly.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the prepared cucumber, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, crumbled feta, sliced red onion, and chopped parsley to the dressed pasta. Gently toss everything to combine and distribute the dressing thoroughly.
- Final Taste and Serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve for a chilled, refreshing salad experience.
Notes
- For the best flavor, let the dressing rest for a few minutes before mixing with the pasta to allow the garlic and herbs to infuse.
- Rinsing the pasta after cooking prevents it from becoming sticky and helps the dressing coat more evenly.
- Use extra-virgin olive oil for a richer, more authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add fresh parsley before serving for brightness.
- Feel free to add other Mediterranean ingredients like artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for extra variety.
Keywords: Mediterranean pasta salad, pasta salad recipe, easy pasta salad, summer salad, feta pasta salad, kalamata olives salad, healthy pasta salad
