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Greek Pasta Salad

A refreshing Mediterranean pasta salad with tangy feta, crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and herb-infused olive oil dressing that captures authentic Greek flavors.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 285
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 6 oz feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
  2. While the pasta cools, dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice the red onion, creating delicate ribbons. Pat the cucumber pieces dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from diluting your dressing.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice until they emulsify. Add the minced garlic and oregano. Season with salt and pepper, then whisk again.
  4. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared vegetables and Kalamata olives. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently but thoroughly. Add the crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley last, folding them in gently to prevent the feta from breaking down too much.
  5. Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the pasta to absorb the dressing while the flavors meld together.

Notes

Cook pasta the night before and store covered in refrigerator for better texture and flavor absorption. Let salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days - flavors improve after the first day. Before serving leftovers, let come to room temperature for 15 minutes and stir gently. Cook pasta just until al dente and rinse with cold water to prevent mushiness.