Mediterranean Twist Pasta Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Twist Pasta Salad combines the fresh, zesty flavors of Greece with the heartiness of twisty pasta, making it a delightful addition to any meal. Loaded with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, savory feta cheese, and briny black olives, this salad is perfect for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a side dish for your favorite grilled proteins. Tossed in a zesty dressing of olive oil and lemon juice, it’s a light yet filling dish that's sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the ultimate Mediterranean experience!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tomato
1 (diced)
Green onions
3 (sliced)
Sliced black olives
1 can (drained)
Feta cheese
1 package (crumbled)
Cucumber
1 (diced)
Olive oil
1/2 cup (for dressing)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Twisty noodles
1 bag (cooked and cooled)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the twisty noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2
In a large bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, drained black olives, crumbled feta cheese, and diced cucumber.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4
Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the vegetables and cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.
5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Mediterranean Twist Pasta Salad!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Twist Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant salad combining twisty pasta with fresh Greek-inspired flavors like feta, olives, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Twisty noodles, such as fusilli or rotini, are recommended to hold the dressing and small ingredients well.
Is this pasta salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat or fish products.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
You should chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing consists of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Can I serve this salad at room temperature?
Yes, while it is great chilled, it can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
How should I cook the pasta?
Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad features diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, and diced cucumbers.
Does the recipe use fresh lemon juice?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
What kind of olives should I use?
The recipe specifies using a can of sliced black olives, drained.
How do I prepare the feta cheese?
The feta cheese should be crumbled before being added to the large mixing bowl.
Can I make this recipe for a picnic?
Yes, this is an excellent choice for summer barbecues, picnics, or as a portable side dish.
What is the preparation for the cucumbers?
The cucumbers should be diced into bite-sized pieces.
How much olive oil is needed for the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of olive oil.
Can I add protein to this salad?
While not in the original recipe, you can serve this as a side for grilled proteins like chicken or fish.
What if I don't have twisty noodles?
You can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne or farfalle if necessary.
Is the garlic cooked or raw?
The garlic is used raw and minced into the dressing for a sharp, zesty flavor.
How much garlic is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
Do I need to rinse the pasta?
Yes, after draining, rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down before mixing.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Key tags include salad, pasta, greek, mediterranean, and vegetarian.
How many tomatoes are needed?
The recipe uses 1 diced tomato.
How many green onions are required?
You will need 3 sliced green onions.
What is the salt and pepper ratio?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, or to taste.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is classified as an easy recipe with simple assembly steps.
How do I ensure the salad is well-coated?
Pour the dressing over the noodles and vegetables and toss gently to ensure everything is covered.
Can I use bottled garlic?
While fresh is preferred, bottled minced garlic can be used as a convenient substitute.
Is the salad dairy-free?
No, this recipe contains feta cheese, which is a dairy product.
What size bag of noodles should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 standard bag of twisty noodles.