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Mediterranean Pasta Salad: A Make-Ahead Showstopper

Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors with this make-ahead pasta salad, perfect for potlucks or picnics.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 14 oz Pasta Rotini or penne work best
  • 1 Large Cucumber Peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch half-moons
  • 18 oz Cherry Tomatoes Halved before adding to the salad
  • 3/4 Cup Olives (Kalamata) Sliced olives recommended
  • 5 oz Feta Cheese Crumble for texture
  • 1/2 Red Onion Thinly sliced for balance
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Parsley Chopped for distribution
For the Dressing
  • 1/3 Cup Olive Oil Extra-virgin recommended
  • 4 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 2 tsp Oregano
  • 1 tsp Honey
  • 3 Garlic Cloves Freshly pressed
  • 1/4 tsp Pepper Adjust to preference
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium bowl
  • Colander
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, and pressed garlic in a bowl.
  2. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then rinse under cold water.
  3. Chop cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, slice red onion, and chop parsley.
  4. Combine warm pasta with dressing in a bowl and toss to coat evenly.
  5. Fold in cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, feta, red onion, and parsley.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then refrigerate for at least an hour before serving.
  7. Toss again before serving and add a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days; can be frozen for up to 3 months.