Fresh and Tangy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta Recipe
Introduction
Pasta salad is a refreshing and versatile dish perfect for warm days or as a light meal. This simple recipe combines fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing for a burst of flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pasta (your choice, cooked and cooled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it quickly, then set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotini or penne for sturdy pasta that holds the dressing well.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for extra freshness.
- Substitute feta with mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Include olives or bell peppers for additional texture and taste.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving and, if needed, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh the salad’s flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad tastes great when made a few hours ahead or even the day before. Chilling allows the flavors to develop fully.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli are best because they hold the dressing and mix well with the vegetables.
PrintFresh and Tangy Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Feta Recipe
A refreshing and easy-to-make pasta salad featuring tender pasta combined with crisp cucumber, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy red onion, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and lemon dressing. Perfect as a side dish or light meal for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (such as fusilli or rotini)
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Cheese
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss and serve: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs such as basil or parsley.
- Make the salad ahead of time and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Can be served as a side dish alongside grilled meats or as a light vegetarian main course.
Keywords: pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, feta cheese salad, summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad
