Mediterranean Pasta Salad 

Experience a burst of vibrant flavors with this Mediterranean Pasta Salad. Combining al dente pasta with fresh vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing, this salad is a refreshing and wholesome dish. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light lunch, it embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 250g (8.8 oz) fusilli or penne pasta

• 200g (7 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 medium cucumber, diced

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

• 100g (3.5 oz) pitted black or green olives, sliced

• 150g (5.3 oz) feta cheese, crumbled

For the Dressing:

• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• Diced bell peppers

• Marinated artichoke hearts

• Chopped fresh parsley or basil

• Diced avocado

• Chickpeas

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

   • Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8–10 minutes.

   • Drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process.

   • Set aside to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • While the pasta cools, wash and prepare the vegetables.

   • Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.

   • Slice the olives and crumble the feta cheese.

3. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables, olives, and feta cheese.

4. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.

5. Combine and Serve:

   • Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.

   • If using, add any optional ingredients and mix well.

   • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 411.8 kcal

• Protein: 11.8g

• Carbohydrates: 52.9g

• Fat: 17.6g

  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g

• Cholesterol: 11.8mg

• Sodium: 705.9mg

• Potassium: 352.9mg

• Fiber: 5.9g

• Sugar: 5.9g

• Calcium: 117.6mg

• Iron: 2.4mg