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 staple in my home for warm weather. It’s refreshing, easy to customize, and perfect for leftovers.

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.

Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.

Check price on Amazon

Track cooking times accurately for baking, boiling, roasting, and multitasking recipes without overcooking.

Check price on Amazon

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This is a go-to dish for family gatherings where everyone enjoys light and flavorful meals.

Notes

For extra flavor add roasted red peppers sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts. Substitute gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version. Excellent with grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein. Pairs well with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé.

Required Tools

Large pot, colander, large mixing bowl, small bowl or jar (for dressing), knife and cutting board.

Nutritional Information

Calories 410, Total Fat 19 g, Carbohydrates 48 g, Protein 13 g per serving.

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Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

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This Mediterranean pasta salad is a fresh and easy addition to any meal.

Common Questions

→ What pasta types work best for this salad?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing and ingredients well, providing a good texture contrast.

→ Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, it benefits from some chilling time to meld flavors, but it's best consumed within a day for freshness.

→ How can I add more protein to this dish?

Grilled chicken or shrimp complement the salad nicely, boosting its protein content.

→ What herbs enhance the flavors here?

Fresh parsley and basil add brightness and depth, balancing the tangy feta and olives.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely, just substitute with your choice of certified gluten-free pasta without altering other ingredients.