Ingredients
– 8 ounces rotini or any pasta of choice
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup cucumber, diced
– 1 cup bell peppers, chopped (any color)
– 1 cup olives, sliced (Kalamata or green)
– 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Creating Mediterranean Pasta Salad involves several easy steps:
1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, and red onion. Set them aside.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and basil leaves.
5. Add Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
6. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Taste and Adjust: After chilling, taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or vinegar according to your preference.
8. Serve: Toss again before serving to redistribute the dressing.
These steps make the Mediterranean Pasta Salad not only simple but also incredibly enjoyable to prepare!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: For a more filling meal, consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp. This transforms your salad into a hearty dish suitable for a main course.