Mediterranean Pasta Salad

The Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a fresh and colorful dish, perfect for summer or for those who desire a light but tasty meal. Here is how to prepare it:

Ingredients

• 250 g of short pasta (penne, fusilli or farfalle)
• 200 g of cherry tomatoes
• 150 g of feta cheese, cut into cubes
• 100 g of pitted black olives
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• A handful of arugula or baby spinach
• Fresh basil (to taste)
• Dried oregano (to taste)
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon

Preparation

1. Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water according to the instructions on the package to achieve al dente texture. Once cooked, drain it and run it under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
2. In a large bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber and bell pepper, olives, feta, and arugula or baby spinach.
3. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables.
4. Season with extra virgin olive oil, the juice of the lemon, salt, pepper, oregano, and tear some leaves of fresh basil to add an aromatic touch.
5. Toss the salad well to blend all the ingredients and flavors.
6. Let the pasta salad rest in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving, so the flavors can blend together better.

Trivia

Pasta salad is a very versatile dish that can be enriched according to personal tastes by adding other Mediterranean ingredients like grilled peppers, capers, anchovies, or tuna. Moreover, the dressing can vary according to preferences: from the classic oil and lemon to more elaborate versions with pestos or light sauces.

Enjoy your meal!