Mediterranean Olive Oil Feta

A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad featuring tangy feta, briny olives, ripe tomatoes, and crisp vegetables&all tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing. The perfect light Mediterranean-inspired plate for warm weeknight dinners.

This salad quickly became a favorite at my family dinners because it is both nutritious and delicious. It holds up well for leftovers too.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle), Salt for boiling water
• Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 medium cucumber diced, 1 small red onion thinly sliced, 1/2 red bell pepper diced
• Cheese & Olives: 150 g (5 oz) feta cheese crumbled, 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
• Dressing: 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 clove garlic minced, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1 tbsp fresh basil sliced (optional)

Instructions

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Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper.

Step 3:

Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the vegetables.

Step 4:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 5:

Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to combine.

Step 6:

Add the crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, parsley, and basil (if using). Toss lightly to distribute.

Step 7:

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes quickly for easy breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Blend smoothies, sauces, and shakes quickly for easy breakfasts, snacks, and meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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My family enjoys gathering around the table to share this fresh salad, especially during warm evenings. It’s always a hit with everyone.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled meats or fresh bread for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Best enjoyed fresh.

Variations

Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or substituting gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.

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This salad combines simplicity with bold Mediterranean flavors making it ideal for quick lunches and dinner sides alike.

Recipe FAQs

→ What pasta types work best for this dish?

Short pastas like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing well and complement the fresh vegetables and cheese.

→ Can this salad be made ahead of time?

Yes, it benefits from resting in the fridge for at least an hour, allowing flavors to meld without losing crispness.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days to keep vegetables fresh.

→ Are there flavor variations recommended?

Adding roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts can add depth and variety to the dish.

→ Can this accommodate gluten-free needs?

Absolutely, substitute with certified gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for gluten-free diets.