Welcome to a burst of Mediterranean flavors right in your kitchen with this Vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Salad! This dish combines fresh veggies, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or a picnic treat.
Fusilli pasta serves as the hearty base, capturing the dressing in its spirals. The cherry tomatoes add a juicy sweetness, while cucumber brings a refreshing crunch. Kalamata olives offer a salty, briny contrast. Red onion provides a sharp bite, balancing the creaminess of feta cheese. Finally, a sprinkle of fresh parsley and basil infuses the salad with vibrant, herbal notes.
This salad makes a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken or fish. For a vegetarian meal, pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a bowl of lentil soup. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing treat during warm weather.
Start by cooking 8 oz of fusilli pasta according to the package instructions. You'll want it al dente, so keep an eye on the time. Once done, drain it thoroughly and set it aside to cool. This is crucial — you don't want the heat to wilt your fresh ingredients.
In the meantime, grab a large bowl and toss in 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of diced cucumber, 1/2 cup of sliced Kalamata olives, and 1/4 of a red onion, thinly sliced. Add 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese into the mix for that creamy, tangy hit.
Next, let's whip up the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra-virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, a minced clove of garlic, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season it with salt and pepper to your liking.
Once your pasta has cooled, add it to the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over the top, ensuring everything is well-coated. Give it a gentle toss to combine all those lovely flavors.
Finish by sprinkling 1/4 cup each of freshly chopped parsley and basil over the salad before serving. These herbs will add a fresh, aromatic kick to your dish.
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