Description
A refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad combining rotini pasta with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red bell pepper, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light summer side dish or picnic staple.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, halved
- ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ⅓ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the rotini or bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop further cooking.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, halved Kalamata olives, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Gently toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
- Toss salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to ensure every component is well coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill before serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop. Before serving, give it one last gentle toss to redistribute the dressing.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared up to one day in advance for convenience.
- For added protein, consider tossing in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need to accommodate gluten sensitivities or allergies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
