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Easy 20-Minute Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A close-up, appetizing serving of mediterranean pasta salad featuring fusilli pasta, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
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Make this vibrant, refreshing, and easy Mediterranean pasta salad in 20 minutes. It features pasta tossed with fresh vegetables, feta cheese, olives, and a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. This cold pasta salad is perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a light summer side dish.

Ingredients

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  • 8 ounces dry pasta (rotini, farfalle, or orzo)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the lemon vinaigrette. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, halved olives, and sliced red onion.
  4. Pour the prepared vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
  7. Serve immediately or cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This salad is excellent for meal prep.

Notes

  • For a heartier meal, you can add 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken breast.
  • If you do not have fresh lemon juice, use bottled, but fresh provides better flavor.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it a great make ahead potluck dish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/mediterranean-pasta-salad-recipe/