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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad: A Flavorful Make-Ahead Delight

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for potlucks and meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 14 oz Pasta Short shapes like rotini or penne work best.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 large Cucumber Adds a refreshing crunch.
  • 18 oz Cherry Tomatoes Provides sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 3/4 cup Olives Offers a briny punch; kalamata recommended.
  • 1/2 Red Onion Adds sharpness; shallots can be substituted.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley Infuses herbaceous flavor.
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup Olive Oil Extra-virgin preferred for deeper flavor.
  • 4 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Provides acidity and tang.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice Fresh juice is best.
  • 2 tsp Oregano Contributes earthiness.
  • 1 tsp Honey Offers a touch of sweetness.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Freshly pressed for aromatic depth.
  • 1/2 tsp Salt Enhances flavors.
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper Adds warmth.
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Introduces a hint of heat.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium bowl
  • colander
  • Cutting Board
  • Knife
  • Whisk
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

Vinaigrette Preparation
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes until fully combined. Let sit for 10 minutes.
Cooking Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain.
Vegetable Preparation
  1. Slice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice red onion. Chop parsley.
Cooling Pasta
  1. Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water for 20-30 seconds and drain well.
Combining Ingredients
  1. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with the vinaigrette, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, crumbled feta, onions, and parsley.
Serving
  1. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best flavor, remove from fridge 15 minutes before serving. Adjust with lemon juice or salt as desired.

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