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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad: A Make-Ahead Picnic Favorite

A vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad that's perfect for picnics and potlucks, bursting with fresh flavors and easy to make ahead.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 14 oz rotini or penne pasta Use short pasta shapes for easy serving.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 large cucumber Peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons.
  • 18 oz cherry tomatoes Halved.
  • 3/4 cup Kalamata olives Sliced.
  • 1/2 red onion Thinly sliced.
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley Chopped.
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 3 cloves freshly pressed garlic
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium bowl
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Add honey, garlic, oregano, pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined, and let sit to meld flavors.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Prep the vegetables: peel and slice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, and chop parsley. Set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  4. Transfer cooled pasta into the bowl with vegetables. Pour dressing over and toss gently. Fold in olives and feta cheese.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 8gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg

Notes

For best results, refrigerate for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld. Salt pasta cooking water generously for flavor. Rinse pasta quickly after cooking to prevent clumping.

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