Mediterranean Olive Oil Feta

A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad featuring tangy feta, briny olives, ripe tomatoes, and crisp vegetables—all tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing. The perfect light Mediterranean-inspired plate for warm weeknight dinners.

This pasta salad has become a staple in my warm weather meals because it always impresses guests with its fresh flavors and simple preparation.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle), Salt for boiling water
• Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1 medium cucumber diced, 1 small red onion thinly sliced, 1/2 red bell pepper diced
• Cheese & Olives: 150 g (5 oz) feta cheese crumbled, 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
• Dressing: 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 clove garlic minced, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, 1 tbsp fresh basil sliced (optional)

Instructions

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

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Step 1:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and red bell pepper.

Step 3:

Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the vegetables.

Step 4:

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

Step 5:

Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to combine.

Step 6:

Add the crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, parsley, and basil (if using). Toss lightly to distribute.

Step 7:

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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This salad often brings my family together on warm evenings as we enjoy the flavors and simplicity of fresh Mediterranean ingredients.

Nutritional Information

Each serving contains approximately 410 calories, 19 g of total fat, 48 g of carbohydrates, and 13 g of protein.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled meats or as a light lunch on its own.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add fresh herbs before serving to refresh flavors.

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Create smooth frozen drinks, slushies, and frappés for desserts and parties using juices, coffee, or wine.

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This refreshing salad is a quick and tasty addition to any meal, perfect for bringing Mediterranean flavors to your table.

Questions & Answers

→ What pasta types work best?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or farfalle hold the dressing well and blend nicely with the vegetables and cheese.

→ Can this dish be served warm?

While best chilled or at room temperature, gently warming the salad is possible but may soften the vegetables and cheese.

→ How to best balance the dressing flavors?

The combination of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper creates a bright and zesty dressing that complements the ingredients without overpowering them.

→ What herbs enhance this salad?

Fresh parsley adds freshness, and basil contributes a subtle sweetness; both lift the salad's Mediterranean character.

→ Are there suitable substitutions for feta cheese?

For a different taste, try swapping feta with aged goat cheese or small cubes of mozzarella for a creamier texture.