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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad That's Bursting with Flavor

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a vibrant celebration of fresh ingredients and flavor, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces short pasta (rotini or penne) Best for optimal dressing adherence.
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes Can substitute with cherry tomatoes.
  • 1 whole cucumber Peeled and diced.
  • 0.5 whole red onion Finely sliced; green onions can be used instead.
  • 2 cups baby spinach Can substitute with arugula.
  • 0.5 cups green olives
  • 0.5 cups black olives Kalamata olives enhance depth.
  • 1 cup feta cheese Crumble over the salad.
  • to taste teaspoon salt Adjust according to taste.
  • to taste teaspoon pepper Adjust according to taste.
For the Dressing
  • 0.5 cups olive oil Forms the base of the dressing.
  • 0.25 cups red wine vinegar Adjust to taste.
  • 2 cloves garlic Fresh garlic is best.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Can omit for milder flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon oregano Dried herbs for flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon thyme Dried herbs can be fresh.
  • to taste teaspoon salt Key for dressing flavors.
  • to taste teaspoon pepper Key for dressing flavors.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • Spoon

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. Chop the grape tomatoes in half, peel and dice the cucumber, and finely slice the red onion. In a large mixing bowl, combine these chopped vegetables.
  3. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Toss in the baby spinach and a mix of green and black olives.
  4. Drizzle the Homemade Greek Dressing over the salad and toss everything together gently.
  5. Crumble the feta cheese over the top and gently fold it into the mixture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to deepen flavors. Toss before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For maximum freshness, add cucumbers and tomatoes right before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.

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