Greek Pasta Salad Mediterranean (Print Version)

Fresh pasta combined with vegetables, olives, and feta tossed in a tangy Mediterranean dressing for a flavorful dish.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 250 g short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)

→ Vegetables

02 - 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1 small red bell pepper, diced

→ Olives & Cheese

06 - 100 g Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
07 - 120 g feta cheese, cubed or crumbled

→ Dressing

08 - 60 ml extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

14 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Boil pasta in a large pot of well-salted water following package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, red bell pepper, and Kalamata olives.
03 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
04 - Add cooled pasta to the bowl of prepared vegetables and olives. Pour dressing over the salad, then toss gently to mix.
05 - Add feta cheese and gently combine, taking care not to crumble the cheese excessively.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or dill just before serving, if desired.
07 - Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

# Additional Notes:

01 - For additional flavor, include sliced pepperoncini, capers, or artichoke hearts.
02 - To make gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free pasta.
03 - Prepare up to one day in advance; add feta just before serving to maintain texture.
04 - Pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc.