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Feta Pasta Salad 1

Feta Pasta Salad

This Mediterranean feta pasta salad is bursting with flavor, featuring salty feta cheese, fresh vegetables, and a light dressing. The perfect balance of tangy feta, al dente pasta, and crisp vegetables creates a symphony of flavors that's both satisfying and refreshingly light. This easy summer side dish is quick to prepare and always a hit at gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings
Calories 285 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base

  • 8 oz short pasta rotini, farfalle, or penne (about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint chopped (optional)
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers chopped (optional)

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. For optimal results, cook pasta 1 minute less than package instructions indicate.
  • While the pasta cooks, prepare your fresh vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber (removing seeds if desired), slice the red onion thinly, and chop herbs. Pro tip: Soak red onion slices in cold water for 5 minutes before adding to reduce their sharpness.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, olives, and herbs. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
  • Gently fold in crumbled feta cheese. Reserve a small amount to sprinkle on top just before serving for visual appeal.
  • For maximum flavor infusion, allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving, letting the Mediterranean flavors meld together.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. Goat cheese can replace feta for a milder flavor profile. Bell peppers can substitute roasted red peppers for a fresher crunch. For a vegan option, replace feta with firm tofu marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and nutritional yeast.
This Mediterranean feta pasta salad stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, store any unused dressing separately and add just before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 15gSodium: 390mgFiber: 2gCalcium: 150mg
Keyword Pasta Salad, Feta Cheese, Mediterranean, Summer Salad, Greek Salad
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