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- 8 oz. farfalle pasta (or your favorite pasta shape) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh herbs (basil, mint) - Other vegetables (bell peppers, spinach) I love using farfalle pasta because it adds a fun shape to the dish. You can pick any pasta you like. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness, while cucumbers add crunch. Kalamata olives give a salty kick, and feta cheese adds creaminess. For the dressing, I use high-quality olive oil and fresh lemon juice for zest. Do not skip the oregano; it gives that classic Mediterranean taste. Feel free to add fresh herbs like basil or mint for extra flavor. You can also mix in other vegetables, such as bell peppers or spinach, for more texture and color. For the full recipe, check out the complete details. Enjoy crafting this fresh and flavorful Mediterranean pasta salad! - Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. - Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. I start by boiling a pot of salted water. It should taste like the sea. Add 8 oz. of farfalle pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, firm but not hard. This takes about 8-10 minutes. When your timer goes off, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it with cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and keeps the pasta from sticking together. Set it aside to cool. - Combine tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta, onion, and parsley in a bowl. - Gently mix ingredients without smashing. In a large mixing bowl, toss together 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, 1/2 cup of sliced Kalamata olives, and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Add in 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion and 1/4 cup of fresh parsley. Use a spatula to mix gently. You want the veggies to stay whole. - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Add in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing adds a zesty kick to the salad. Make sure it’s well mixed. - Add cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture. - Pour dressing over and toss gently. Now, add the cooled pasta to your bowl of veggies. Pour the dressing over the top. Use a large spoon to toss everything gently. Make sure the pasta gets coated well with the dressing. Taste it. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. - Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. This salad needs to chill for at least 30 minutes. This time helps all the flavors blend together. After chilling, your Mediterranean pasta salad will be fresh and flavorful, ready to serve! - Use salted water for boiling. This step helps the pasta absorb flavor. - Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking. This stops the cooking process and prevents stickiness. - Let the salad sit for a while. This allows the flavors to blend and deepen. - Adjust seasoning to fit your taste. Everyone has different preferences, so add salt or pepper as you like. - Serve in a shallow bowl. It makes the salad look more appealing and allows for easy serving. - Garnish with lemon slices and fresh parsley. This adds color and a fresh taste to your dish. For complete instructions, check the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can change this salad based on what's in season. For example, swap in fresh zucchini or asparagus for a bright crunch. Roasted red peppers add a smoky taste, enhancing the salad's depth. Using seasonal veggies makes the dish lively and fresh. Need to add protein? Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. These additions give the salad a hearty touch. For a plant-based option, add chickpeas. They are full of protein and blend well with the Mediterranean flavors. If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta. It still tastes great and fits your needs. For a vegan twist, use dairy-free feta. This keeps the salad creamy while staying plant-based. These adjustments help everyone enjoy this tasty dish. For the Full Recipe, check the earlier section! To keep your Mediterranean pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This helps keep the flavors locked in. It tastes best when eaten within 3-4 days. After that, the ingredients may start to lose their crunch. I do not recommend freezing this salad. When you freeze pasta, it may become mushy when thawed. If you decide to freeze it, store the dressing separately. This way, you can add it fresh when you serve the salad. You can serve this pasta salad cold or at room temperature. Avoid reheating it, as this may change the texture. The fresh tastes of the vegetables and feta shine when served as is. For the best experience, enjoy it straight from the fridge. Mediterranean pasta salad typically lasts 3-4 days when stored properly. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. After that, the flavors may fade, and the veggies can become soggy. Yes, you can make this salad up to 24 hours ahead for best flavor. Preparing it early allows the ingredients to blend well. The longer it sits, the more the flavors mix, making each bite even tastier. If you need a substitute for feta cheese, goat cheese works well. Vegan feta is another good option for dairy-free diets. Both choices add a nice creaminess that complements the salad. Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prepping. The salad stays tasty over time, making it easy to grab for lunch or dinner. Plus, it holds up well, so you can enjoy it all week. For the full recipe, check out the earlier sections! This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is full of fresh ingredients and flavor. You learned about key ingredients like farfalle pasta, cherry tomatoes, and olives, along with a simple dressing. I shared steps to make and chill the salad for the best taste. You can customize it with seasonal veggies and proteins. Remember to store leftovers properly for the best flavor. Enjoy this dish at your next gathering or as a tasty meal prep option!

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Looking for a refreshing and delicious meal? Dive into my Mediterranean Pasta Salad recipe that’s packed with vibrant veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a quick dinner, this salad is easy to make! Just follow my simple steps and customize it with your favorite ingredients. Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a burst of Mediterranean flavors today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz. farfalle pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until it reaches the al dente stage. Drain in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set the pasta aside to cool.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley. Use a spatula to gently mix the ingredients without smashing the tomatoes or feta.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.

        Add the cooled farfalle pasta to the bowl of vegetables and feta. Pour the dressing over the salad.

          Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss all the ingredients together until they are well mixed and the pasta is evenly coated in the dressing.

            Taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.

              Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a wide, shallow bowl for a beautiful display. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices arranged artfully on the side, which will add vibrant color to your dish. For an enticing shine, drizzle a little more extra-virgin olive oil over the top right before serving. Enjoy the refreshing array of Mediterranean flavors!