Looking to bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your table? This Mediterranean Twist Pasta Salad combines vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients, making it perfect for a refreshing lunch or a delightful side dish at dinner.
The foundation of this dish is the rotini pasta, which holds the dressing beautifully in its spirals. Cherry tomatoes add a burst of juicy sweetness, while sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, tangy flavor. Kalamata olives bring a savory, briny bite, and cucumber offers a refreshing crunch. The red onion adds a mild pungency without overpowering the dish. Feta cheese introduces a creamy, tangy note that ties the salad together. Finally, fresh basil imparts a fragrant herbal aroma.
This pasta salad makes a wonderful accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish. It also pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread and a glass of chilled white wine. For a complete Mediterranean feast, serve it alongside some hummus and pita bread.
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This step ensures your pasta salad stays fresh and doesn't clump together.
While the pasta is cooling, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, olives, cucumber, red onion, and feta cheese. Gently toss these ingredients together to evenly distribute the flavors.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple dressing brings everything together with its tangy and garlicky notes. Pour it over the pasta salad and mix gently until everything is well coated.
Finally, add the fresh basil to the mix, giving it one last gentle toss. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
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