Greek Pasta Salad Mediterranean (Printable)

Vibrant Mediterranean salad with crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and zesty dressing. Perfect for lunch or dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

→ Cheese

07 - 5 oz feta cheese, cubed or crumbled

→ Dressing

08 - 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
10 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Herbs & Garnish

13 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

# How to Make It:

01 - Boil salted water and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside to cool completely.
02 - Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, dice green bell pepper, and halve the Kalamata olives. Combine all prepared vegetables in a large salad bowl.
03 - Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the mixed vegetables. Toss gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
04 - Whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
05 - Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the vinaigrette.
06 - Gently fold in the cubed or crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley or dill. Mix carefully to avoid breaking down the cheese.
07 - Refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The flavors get better overnight, making it perfect for meal prep days
  • Its sturdy enough to transport without wilting, unlike delicate lettuce salads
  • You can customize the vegetables based on what languishing in your crisper drawer
02 -
  • Never skip rinsing the pasta under cold water or you'll end up with a gummy, clumpy salad
  • The salad needs at least fifteen minutes of chilling time for the flavors to properly marry
  • Add the feta just before serving if you're making this ahead, otherwise it can become too salty
03 -
  • Salt your pasta water generously since the pasta itself is the main seasoning vehicle
  • Use a vegetable peeler to shave ribbons of feta on top for an elegant presentation

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