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Tangy Mediterranean Pasta Salad

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A fresh and vibrant Mediterranean pasta salad loaded with crisp vegetables, salty feta cheese, olives, and a tangy homemade dressing for a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for lunches, gatherings, or meal prep.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

  • 12 oz pasta of choice
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup chickpeas (optional)
  • 1 cup grilled chicken, sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup artichoke hearts (optional)
  • 1 cup spinach (optional)
  • 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions.
  2. Drain the pasta and let it cool slightly.
  3. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, herbs, and olives into bite-sized pieces.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
  6. Add optional ingredients such as chickpeas, grilled chicken, spinach, artichoke hearts, or pepperoncini if desired.
  7. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.
  8. Cover and chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  9. Toss gently before serving and garnish with extra feta or herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Rotini, penne, fusilli, or bow tie pasta work best for holding the dressing.
  • Chilling the salad helps the flavors blend together beautifully.
  • Add extra olive oil or lemon juice before serving leftovers to refresh the salad.
  • Grilled chicken or chickpeas add extra protein.
  • Pepperoncini or red pepper flakes provide a spicier variation.
  • Store the salad in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/tangy-mediterranean-pasta-salad/