This Mediterranean penne pasta salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings or as a quick lunch. Packed with colorful vegetables and a zesty dressing, it showcases the delightful flavors of penne pasta salad recipes.
The recipe is simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors
This Mediterranean penne pasta salad bursts with color and flavor, making it an ideal dish for summer gatherings.
The combination of cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and sliced olives creates a visually appealing presentation that is sure to impress your guests.
Topped with crumbled feta cheese and a light lemon vinaigrette, this salad is a refreshing option that highlights the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing this delightful salad is straightforward and quick.
Start by cooking the penne pasta until it reaches the perfect al dente texture.
Once cooked, rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool it down, ensuring a refreshing bite in every forkful.
Fresh Ingredients for a Healthy Dish
The key to a great Mediterranean penne pasta salad lies in the freshness of its ingredients.
Using ripe cherry tomatoes and crisp cucumbers adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant color.
The addition of Kalamata olives introduces a briny flavor that complements the creamy feta cheese beautifully.
Light and Zesty Dressing
A light lemon vinaigrette ties all the ingredients together, enhancing the salad’s flavors without overpowering them.
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and dried oregano for a simple yet zesty dressing.
Drizzle it over the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and vibrant.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This penne pasta salad is versatile enough to serve as a side dish at a barbecue or as a light meal on its own.
It can be prepared ahead of time and chilled in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic or enjoying a quiet lunch, this salad is sure to be a hit.
Serving Suggestions
To create a cheerful summer atmosphere, serve this salad alongside a refreshing glass of lemonade.
The combination of the salad’s vibrant colors and the rustic wooden table setting adds to the overall experience.
Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of color and flavor!
Easy Mediterranean Penne Pasta Salad Recipe
This penne pasta salad features al dente pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese, all drizzled with a tangy lemon vinaigrette. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or light meal.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 32g