Description
A refreshing Mediterranean Pasta bursting with flavor and colorful ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved and pitted
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp torn fresh basil
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. The salt will enhance the flavor of the pasta as it cooks. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Typically, this takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This also helps in preventing the pasta from sticking together.
- While the pasta cooks, take this opportunity to prep your vegetables. Start by halving the cherry tomatoes—this will showcase their vibrant juices when mixed into the pasta. Next, dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces for a refreshing crunch. Then, thinly slice the red onion for a sharp flavor contrast, followed by halving the Kalamata olives. Set these prepared vegetables aside as they will be added to the pasta soon.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This simple yet flavorful dressing will tie all the ingredients together while adding zesty notes. Ensure it’s well blended and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared vegetables, and the dressing. Toss everything together gently, ensuring all ingredients are well coated. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld beautifully! Be careful not to overmix to keep the texture of the feta intact.
- Once the pasta and vegetables are well mixed, add the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and torn basil. Gently fold these in so that the feta remains in nice chunks and provides creamy bites throughout the dish. Fresh herbs will add brightness, making each mouthful refreshing.
- For optimal flavor, refrigerate your Mediterranean Pasta for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more delicious dish. When ready to serve, give it a quick stir and enjoy!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Protein: 10 g