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Refreshing Light Greek Pasta Salad

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A vibrant and cool Greek pasta salad with feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for a healthy, light summer side dish or quick lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 large English cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces 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 in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
  3. While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the Kalamata olives, finely dice the red onion, and chop the parsley and oregano.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and chopped herbs. Toss gently to mix.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  7. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, being careful not to overmix to keep chunks intact.
  8. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Toss pasta with a teaspoon of olive oil after rinsing to prevent sticking. Adjust seasoning after chilling as flavors meld. Use gluten-free pasta or dairy-free feta for dietary adaptations. Add protein like grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, feta pasta salad, summer salad, healthy pasta salad, light pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, easy pasta salad

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/refreshing-light-greek-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-healthy-summer-side-dish/