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Best Mediterranean Pasta Salad (with Whipped Feta!)

This vibrant Mediterranean pasta salad is a flavorful side dish perfect for any gathering. Packed with fresh vegetables, chickpeas, and crumbled feta, it's all tossed in a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette. Ideal for potlucks, meal prep, or an easy weeknight side.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

FOR THE PASTA SALAD:
  • 1 pound pasta (I used cavatappi)
  • 1 English cucumber diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup thinly-sliced red onions
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives halved
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
FOR THE LEMON-HERB VINAIGRETTE:
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic pressed or minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • large stockpot
  • Small Bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large stockpot of generously-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Components
  1. While the pasta cooks, dice the English cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives, and thinly slice the red onion. Rinse and drain the can of chickpeas and chop the fresh parsley.
Step 3: Make the Vinaigrette
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, fine sea salt, and black pepper. Alternatively, combine all ingredients in a mason jar, seal, and shake vigorously until well combined and emulsified.
Step 4: Combine and Toss the Salad
  1. Once the pasta is al dente, drain it well. Briefly rinse the pasta with cold water until lukewarm to stop cooking and remove excess starch. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lukewarm pasta with the cucumber, tomatoes, chickpeas, crumbled feta cheese, red onions, olives, and parsley. Pour the vinaigrette over the top and toss gently until everything is coated.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 18gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 9gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 18mgIron: 10mg

Notes

For the best results, use block feta packed in brine. To mellow red onion, soak slices in cold water for 10 min. Serve as a side or light lunch. For make-ahead, store components separately, or reserve dressing to refresh before serving. Lasts up to 3 days refrigerated.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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