Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Green Olives and Basil 🌿🍝

This vibrant Mediterranean pasta salad is a delightful and refreshing dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch at home. The combination of tangy green olives, aromatic basil, and crunchy vegetables brings a burst of flavor that dances on your palate. It's also incredibly easy to customize, so feel free to add your favorite ingredients for a personal touch.

Ingredients

For the salad

• 8 oz fusilli or rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.

🍳 Rinsing the pasta helps stop the cooking process, keeping it firm and preventing it from becoming mushy in the salad.

2. Prepare the vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, green olives, red onion, and feta cheese.

3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

🍋 Lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that ties all the flavors together. Adjust the acidity based on your preference!

4. Combine everything: Add the cooled pasta and chopped basil to the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well-coated.

🥗 Tossing gently ensures that the pasta doesn’t break apart and the ingredients remain intact.

5. Chill and serve: Let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

❄️ You can make this salad a day in advance—just keep it covered in the refrigerator for an extra tasty meal the next day!

Variations

• Add protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal. 💪
• Gluten-free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
• Vegan: Omit the feta cheese and replace it with avocado for creaminess.
• Spicy kick: Add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat! 🌶️
• Substitute herbs: Use fresh parsley or mint instead of basil for a different flavor profile.

Enjoy your Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Green Olives and Basil as a colorful side dish or a delightful main course! 🍽️✨