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Fresh Greek Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Refreshing Summer Side Dish

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A quick and easy fresh Greek pasta salad with feta, vibrant veggies, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing, perfect for summer gatherings or a light lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) rotini or penne pasta
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225 g) of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of the pasta water. Rinse pasta briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 minced garlic clove, and salt and pepper to taste. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, pit and halve the Kalamata olives, and thinly slice the red onion. Soak the onion slices in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
  5. Roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh parsley and 1/4 cup fresh mint (if using).
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onion, parsley, and mint. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the salad feels dry.
  7. Crumble 1/2 cup of feta cheese over the top and give the salad one last gentle toss.
  8. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.

Notes

Salt pasta water well to season pasta. Rinse pasta briefly under cold water to stop cooking but keep some bite. Soak red onion slices to mellow sharpness. Toss pasta warm with dressing to absorb flavors without sogginess. Add dressing gradually to avoid soggy salad. Chill salad at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Salad holds well for a few hours chilled. Add extra dressing before serving if dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, feta salad, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, fresh herbs, Mediterranean salad

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/fresh-greek-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-refreshing-summer-side-dish/