This Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives is a refreshing and vibrant dish that embodies the flavors of the Mediterranean diet. It’s an easy dinner recipe perfect for warm weather or as a side dish for any occasion.
Packed with colorful vegetables, olives, and pasta, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it a great choice for those following Mediterranean diet recipes.
Simple Mediterranean Pasta Salad
This pasta salad combines al dente pasta with a medley of fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and olives, all tossed in a tangy dressing. Ready in about 30 minutes, it serves 4-6 people.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, and slice the olives.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and olives. Pour the dressing over the top and toss to combine.
- Add Cheese: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, taking care not to break it apart too much.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
