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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad: Refreshing Summer Flavor Bliss

Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings and healthy meal prep.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Rotini Pasta Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 to 2 Persian Cucumbers Substitute with English cucumbers if unavailable.
  • 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Grape tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
  • 0.5 Red Onion Mild onions can be used or soaked in ice water to reduce pungency.
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata Olives Black olives can be used for a milder taste.
  • 0.5 cup Feta Cheese Substitute with goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
  • 0.25 cup Fresh Parsley Basil can be a flavorful alternative.
For the Vinaigrette
  • 0.33 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can be replaced with avocado oil for a different flavor.
  • 1 Fresh Lemon Juice Lime juice can substitute if lemon is not available.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano Italian seasoning can be used as a substitute.

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • medium bowl
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta and cook until al dente, around 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water for 30 seconds.
  2. Slice 1 to 2 Persian cucumbers into thin rounds, halve approximately 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice half a red onion.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil, juice of one fresh lemon, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, Kalamata olives, and pour the dressing over. Toss gently.
  5. Fold in ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley, mixing gently to combine.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors marry. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 100IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Rinse the pasta after cooking to prevent stickiness. Add cucumbers just before serving for freshness. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, adding cucumbers fresh later.

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