Description
Horiatiki Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines cooked pasta with fresh cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice dressing seasoned with oregano, this salad is perfect as a light meal or a flavorful side dish. It requires minimal cooking and is served chilled to fully develop the harmonious blend of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for a vegan version)
Dressing and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly to prevent wilting the fresh vegetables in the salad.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice over the combined salad ingredients for a bright and tangy flavor base.
- Season and Toss: Sprinkle the dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the salad. Toss gently to combine so the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Feta Cheese: If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad to add creaminess and a salty bite.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop fully.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled as a delightful Mediterranean side dish or a light and refreshing meal.
Notes
- To make the salad vegan, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Using freshly cooked and cooled pasta helps prevent the salad from becoming mushy.
- You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead for better flavor infusion.
- Feel free to add herbs like fresh parsley or mint for extra freshness.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, since feta cheese adds saltiness.
