Ingredients
1 pound rotini or farfalle pasta
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large cucumber, deseeded and diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
For the Dressing:
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool completely. Set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and chopped fresh basil.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If desired, add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice.
Step 6: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For best results, chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 7: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Serve cold and enjoy your delicious Mediterranean Summer Pasta Salad!
Notes
For best flavor, make this pasta salad at least 2 hours in advance or even overnight. This allows the dressing to fully penetrate the pasta and vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dishes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: summer pasta salad recipes, mediterranean pasta salad, cold pasta salad, easy pasta salad, potluck recipes, bbq side dish, vegetarian pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, feta pasta salad, lemon herb dressing
