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sun-drenched mediterranean pasta salad with lemon-herb vinaigrette recipe - Sun-Drenched Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Sun-Drenched Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

sun-drenched mediterranean pasta salad with lemon-herb vinaigrette recipe made easy at home. A bright, herby dressing coats tender pasta and crisp summer vege
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Dressing
  • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil good quality
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad
  • 1 pound (450g) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne) regular or gluten-free
  • 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 large English cucumber seeded and diced
  • 1/2 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives halved lengthwise
  • 4 ounces (113g) feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves roughly chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 7-9 minutes. Drain in a colander, rinse briefly with cool water to stop cooking, and spread on a baking sheet to cool. Drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or acidity as needed.
  3. Place the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the pasta and toss well with a spatula. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavours slightly.
  4. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, and Kalamata olives to the pasta. Add the remaining dressing and toss gently to combine. Fold in most of the crumbled feta, reserving some for garnish.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight) to let the flavours meld. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, toss again, and garnish with the remaining feta, fresh parsley, and an extra crack of black pepper.