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Best Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta (20-Minute Easy Recipe)

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A quick and easy Mediterranean pasta salad with rotini, fresh veggies, creamy feta, and a bright lemon herb dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a lazy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) rotini pasta
  • 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium English cucumber, diced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1 cup (150 g) feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons (45 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) red wine vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly under cold water until cool. Shake off excess water.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the olives.
  4. In a small bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives. Pour about half the dressing over and toss gently.
  6. Gently fold in the crumbled feta, parsley, and basil (if using).
  7. Add the remaining dressing and toss again. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Let the salad rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, or refrigerate for a few hours for best flavor.
  9. Serve topped with extra feta and fresh herbs.

Notes

For best flavor, let the salad rest for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. Reserve some dressing to add just before serving if making ahead. Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its bite. Use good quality feta packed in brine for best texture and taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean pasta salad, feta pasta salad, easy pasta salad, potluck salad, 20-minute recipe

Find it online: https://noshbelle.com/best-mediterranean-pasta-salad-with-feta-20-minute-easy-recipe/