Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives and Feta
This classic Mediterranean-inspired pasta is a delightful blend of fresh summer vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a bright and herbaceous lemon-herb vinaigrette. It's a quick and easy dish that's perfect as a shared appetizer or main course, and the leftovers keep well for a few days, making it perfect for easy weekday lunches.
The origins of this dish can be traced back to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean Sea, where a mosaic of cultures and cuisines has converged over centuries. Pasta, believed to have originated in Italy, met the vibrant flavors of Greece and the Levant, resulting in a delectable culinary fusion. The addition of olives, a staple ingredient in the Mediterranean diet, adds a salty and savory touch, while the tangy feta cheese brings a creamy balance. Finally, the aromatic herbs and lemony vinaigrette infuse the dish with a refreshing brightness, creating a harmonious symphony of flavors.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives and Feta Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives and Feta Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives and Feta Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Olives and Feta
Prep time: 15 | Cook time: 10 | Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound pasta
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup chopped tomato
  • 1 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup lemon-herb vinaigrette
Instructions
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
  4. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
  5. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Why It Works
  • The combination of fresh vegetables provides a crisp and refreshing contrast to the soft pasta, creating a textural interplay that keeps every bite interesting.
  • The salty and briny kalamata olives add a depth of flavor and umami, balancing the sweetness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the feta.
  • Fresh herbs, such as parsley, provide a vibrant herbaceousness that complements the tangy lemon vinaigrette, resulting in a bright and flavorful dressing that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • The tangy and slightly salty feta cheese provides a creamy richness that balances the acidity of the vinaigrette and adds a satisfying savory note to the dish.