Description
This refreshing Horiatiki Pasta Salad combines perfectly cooked pasta with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing. Ideal as a light Mediterranean-inspired meal or a vibrant side dish, this salad is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed chilled for the best flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for a vegan version)
Dressing and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly to prevent wilting the fresh vegetables.
- Combine vegetables and pasta: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives. Gently toss to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Add dressing: Drizzle the salad with extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice for a vibrant, tangy flavor.
- Season and toss: Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the salad. Toss gently once more to incorporate the seasonings throughout without crushing the ingredients.
- Add feta cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad if using. This adds a creamy, salty contrast to the fresh vegetables.
- Chill and meld flavors: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to marry beautifully.
- Serve chilled: Serve the Horiatiki Pasta Salad cold as a delicious, light Mediterranean side dish or a satisfying meal on its own.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Use pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini to hold the dressing well.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavor blend.
- Adjust salt carefully since Kalamata olives and feta add saltiness.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or mint for additional freshness if desired.
