Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe

Delight in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this easy-to-make pasta salad. It features a blend of fresh vegetables, savory olives, feta cheese, and a homemade Greek salad dressing. This salad is perfect for a summer picnic, a quick family dinner, or as a nutritious meal prep option for the week.

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Ingredients

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

• 12 ounces pasta (any short type like penne or rotini)
• 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced and quartered cucumbers
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 cup baby spinach
• ½ cup sliced pitted green olives
• ½ cup sliced pitted black olives
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Greek Salad Dressing

• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon fresh cracked pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Pasta

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta.

Make the Greek Salad Dressing

2. Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a bowl or a jar with a lid, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well blended.

Assemble the Salad

3. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, red onion, baby spinach, and both types of olives.
4. Dress the Salad: Drizzle about ½ cup of the Greek salad dressing over the salad and toss to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
5. Add Feta Cheese: Sprinkle feta cheese over the salad. Add more dressing, salt, and pepper if desired, and toss until just combined.

Serving

• Serve Immediately: The salad can be served immediately or stored.
• Chill: For enhanced flavors, refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Make-Ahead: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days. For the best flavor, let the salad come to room temperature before serving and toss well.
• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within three days.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 271 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 7mg
• Sodium: 430mg
• Potassium: 171mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 508 IU
• Vitamin C: 4mg
• Calcium: 64mg
• Iron: 1mg

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is not only delicious and filling but also a vibrant addition to any meal. It's packed with fresh ingredients and dressed in a flavorful homemade vinaigrette, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes that this salad offers!

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