Description
As summer rolls in, I find myself craving light, refreshing meals that don’t take hours to prepare. That’s where my Mediterranean Pasta Salad comes in! This vibrant dish is not just a feast for the eyes; it’s a quick solution for busy days when you want something delicious without the fuss. Packed with colorful veggies and zesty flavors, it’s perfect for family gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner. Trust me, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad will impress your loved ones and keep you cool during those warm summer days!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or bowtie
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- ½ cup kalamata olives sliced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
- ½ cup roasted red peppers chopped (optional)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated.
- Let the salad chill for 15-30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or artichokes.
- This salad can be made a day in advance for convenience.
- Adjust the dressing ingredients to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg