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–+ servings

Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad

A refreshing dish combining pasta with a variety of fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon herb dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces penne pasta Dried pasta is best for this salad.
  • 1/3 cup olive oil Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for rich flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed gives the best taste.
  • 2 tablespoons apple vinegar Adds a slight sweetness and tanginess.
  • 2 tablespoons water To balance the dressing consistency.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley Finely chopped for freshness.
  • 2 teaspoons garlic Minced to infuse the dressing with flavor.
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano Brings an aromatic touch typical of Mediterranean cuisine.
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil Adds depth to the dressing's flavor profile.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
  • 1 pinch cracked pepper For a hint of heat; adjust to taste.
  • 4 cups Romaine lettuce Washed and dried for a crisp base.
  • 1 large cucumber Diced for crunch and freshness.
  • 1 large avocado Peeled, pitted, and chopped adds creaminess.
  • 1/2 large red pepper Deseeded and cut into thin strips adds color and sweetness.
  • 9 ounces grape tomatoes Halved for juicy bites in every scoop.
  • 1/2 large red onion Thinly sliced for sharpness without overpowering flavors.
  • 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives Sliced for briny richness that complements all elements of the salad.
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil Drained to enhance the depth of flavor with their concentrated sweetness.
  • 5-6 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese For creaminess and a salty kick that ties everything together.

Method
 

  1. Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes depending on package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander or strainer and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. Transfer the cooled pasta into a large mixing bowl where you'll combine all your ingredients.
  2. While your pasta is boiling, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, water, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, basil, salt, and cracked pepper until well combined and emulsified.
  3. Once your pasta has cooled completely, add all your prepared salad ingredients into the mixing bowl along with the pasta including Romaine lettuce, cucumber, avocado, red pepper strips, halved tomatoes, red onion slices, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
  4. Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the entire mixture in the bowl before tossing gently but thoroughly to coat all components evenly in that flavorful dressing created earlier.
  5. Taste your salad before serving; feel free to add extra salt or pepper according to your preference if needed as seasoning can vary based on ingredient brands used or freshness levels of produce! Serve immediately for optimal freshness or refrigerate briefly if preferred chilled before enjoying!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 15g

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