Tangy Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes 🍅🍝

This vibrant and refreshing pasta salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch. The combination of tangy feta cheese, juicy cherry tomatoes, and zesty lemon dressing makes this dish a delightful Mediterranean treat! 🍋✨

Ingredients

For the salad

• 8 oz (about 2 cups) of fusilli or penne pasta
• 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup of cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil, torn

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

🥗 Give the dressing a good whisk until it’s well combined. Adjust the seasoning if desired—more lemon juice for tanginess, or more olive oil for richness.

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

5. Allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.

⏰ If you’re short on time, it can be served immediately, but chilling makes a big difference in flavor!

Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta options available in stores. It will still taste fantastic!
• Add protein: Mix in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat or throw in some roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
• Herb variations: Swap parsley and basil for other fresh herbs like oregano or mint for a different twist.

Enjoy this delicious Tangy Mediterranean Pasta Salad as a light main dish or a colorful side that will impress everyone at your table! 🌿🍽️