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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean pasta salad is a fresh, healthy, and flavor-packed dish made with rotini, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and a bold red wine vinaigrette. Ready in 30 minutes and even better the next day, it is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, and light meals.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 400 g rotini pasta
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced
  • 200 g feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp honey
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • mixing bowl
  • knife
  • cutting board
  • jar or bowl for dressing

Method
 

  1. In a bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, honey, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Let sit to develop flavor.
  2. Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente. While cooking, slice cucumber, halve tomatoes, slice onion, and chop parsley.
  3. Drain pasta and rinse briefly under cold water for 20–30 seconds. Transfer to a bowl while still slightly warm.
  4. Pour dressing over the warm pasta and toss thoroughly to coat and absorb flavor.
  5. Add cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, feta, and parsley. Toss gently and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Before serving, stir and refresh with extra dressing or lemon juice if needed.

Notes

Salt pasta water היט generously for best flavor. Toss dressing with slightly warm pasta for better absorption. Reserve extra dressing to refresh before serving. Use block feta for best texture and flavor. Stores well up to 4 days refrigerated.