Imagine a burst of Mediterranean sunshine packed into a convenient, portable jar that transforms your ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Mediterranean Pasta Salad isn't just a meal; it's a vibrant, flavor-packed experience that brings the coastal charm of Greece and Italy right to your table. Perfect for meal preppers, picnic lovers, and anyone craving a fresh, zesty dish that looks as amazing as it tastes.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down the pasta quickly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
- For jar presentation, layer the salad ingredients carefully: dressing at bottom, then pasta, vegetables, and top with feta cheese.
- Seal jars tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- When ready to serve, shake the jar to redistribute dressing or pour contents into a serving bowl.
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente to maintain a perfect texture that won't get mushy when mixed with dressing
- Always rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping
- Layer ingredients strategically: dressing at bottom, sturdy ingredients like pasta in middle, delicate items like tomatoes on top
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together
- Choose wide-mouth mason jars for easy mixing and serving
- For best taste, consume within 2-3 days of preparation
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 20mg
