Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into a culinary adventure with this mouthwatering Feta Tomato Pasta Salad that will transport your taste buds straight to the sunny coastlines of Italy! In just 25 minutes, you'll create a vibrant, refreshing dish that's perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or when you're craving something light yet incredibly satisfying. Imagine tender pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese dancing together in a zesty olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing – this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tbsp of red wine vinegar, 1 tsp of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste. Set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta, tomatoes, and feta are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. You can also add more olive oil or vinegar to suit your preferences.
- Let the salad sit for about 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can also be served immediately if you prefer.
- Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor and color.
- Serve the Feta Tomato Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- • For the best flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh cherry tomatoes at peak ripeness. • Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent a mushy texture – slightly firm pasta holds the dressing better. • Allow the salad to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to let the flavors fully develop and mingle. • For extra freshness, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley right before serving. • This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, making it perfect for meal prep. • Experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini or penne for varied texture and visual appeal. • For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 21g
Protein: 9g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 25mg
