Description
A vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad featuring orecchiette pasta, colorful bell peppers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and briny kalamata olives, tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta (or other chunky pasta shapes)
Vegetables & Greens
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
- 1 orange bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups baby arugula
Cheese & Olives
- 6 ounces crumbly feta cheese
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
Herbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, seasoned generously with salt. Add the orecchiette pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the diced tomatoes, red, yellow, and orange bell peppers, baby arugula, crumbled feta cheese, sliced kalamata olives, chopped fresh basil, and chopped fresh mint. Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and gently mix everything until well combined.
- Prepare and add dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sea salt, and ground black pepper until the dressing is emulsified. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the flavorful dressing.
Notes
- Use chunky pasta shapes like orecchiette, penne, or rigatoni for best texture and to hold the dressing well.
- Make sure to salt the pasta water generously to season the pasta itself.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator; flavors meld beautifully when chilled.
- Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for extra crunch and nuttiness if desired.
