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Mediterranean Pasta Salad

Vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad That's Perfect for Picnics

Enjoy a flavorful Mediterranean Pasta Salad packed with fresh vegetables and zesty dressing, perfect for picnics or gatherings.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 14 oz pasta Preferably rotini or penne
For the Vegetables
  • 1 large cucumber Adds a refreshing crunch
  • 18 oz cherry tomatoes Halved for sweetness
  • 3/4 cup sliced kalamata olives Brings a briny kick
  • 1/2 medium red onion Thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley Chopped for freshness
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil Base of the vinaigrette
  • 4 tbsp red wine vinegar Provides necessary acidity
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice Brightens the salad
  • 2 tsp dried oregano Infuses flavor
  • 1 tsp honey Balances acidity
  • 3 cloves garlic Freshly pressed
  • 1/2 tsp salt For flavor enhancement
  • 1/4 tsp pepper For flavor enhancement
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes Adds heat

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Large Pot
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and garlic in a medium bowl. Add oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and mix well.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. While pasta cooks, slice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice red onion. Chop parsley.
  4. Rinse cooked pasta under cold water for 20 to 30 seconds to cool and prevent stickiness.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm pasta with dressing; toss to coat. Add cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and parsley, mixing well.
  6. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to let flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 7gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gSodium: 450mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Always adjust seasoning before serving. Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables for variation.

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