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Fresh Greek Pasta Salad Recipe Easy Zesty Lemon Herb Feta Version

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A bright and tangy Greek pasta salad featuring a zesty lemon herb marinated feta, crisp vegetables, and simple pantry staples. Perfect for quick summer meals and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 8 ounces block of feta cheese
  • Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne and cook according to package instructions, about 9-11 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. While pasta cooks, crumble 8 ounces of feta into a medium bowl. Add zest and juice of 1 large lemon, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons each of chopped fresh oregano and parsley, and 1 small minced garlic clove. Mix gently to combine and let marinate at least 20 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate up to 4 hours).
  3. Halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber, thinly slice 1/2 small red onion if using, and slice 1/4 cup kalamata olives. Add all to a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add cooled pasta to the vegetables in the large bowl. Pour the marinated lemon herb feta with its marinade over the pasta and veggies. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, tasting first because feta is salty.
  5. Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld. Toss gently again before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and mushiness. Marinate feta for at least 20 minutes for best flavor. Add salt sparingly as feta is salty. Salad can be made ahead and stored in fridge for 1-2 days; refresh with olive oil and lemon juice before serving if dry.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, lemon herb feta, summer salad, easy pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, zesty feta salad

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/fresh-greek-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-zesty-lemon-herb-feta-version/