A Burst of Mediterranean Sunshine
My Favorite is Mediterranean Pasta Delight and When I first decided to make Mediterranean Pasta Delight, I was craving something light, fresh, and vibrant. The idea struck me while I was wandering through a farmer’s market, where the colorful array of vegetables and herbs caught my eye. I imagined a dish that could capture the essence of summer, perfect for a BBQ or a casual lunch. The ingredients practically sang with the promise of a refreshing meal, and I was eager to bring them together in a simple, delicious way.
The Joy of Fresh Ingredients
Back in my kitchen, I started by boiling some farfalle pasta, which is just perfect for holding onto the flavors of the salad. While the pasta was cooking, I chopped up cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy artichoke hearts. The red onions and black olives added a touch of sharpness that I knew would balance well with the creamy vegan feta. As I mixed everything together, the colors and aromas were a feast for the senses—each ingredient seemed to enhance the others, creating a symphony of Mediterranean flavors.
Creating the Perfect Vinaigrette
Next came the Greek vinaigrette. I whisked together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice with a touch of minced garlic. The smell of the vinaigrette was zesty and inviting, and I was excited to see how it would tie everything together. The addition of a little dried oregano, if desired, brought a hint of traditional Greek flavor that complemented the fresh veggies and pasta beautifully.
Serving Up Sunshine
Once the salad was dressed and ready, I served it up in a large white bowl. The Mediterranean Pasta Delight looked like a bowl of sunshine—vibrant, colorful, and full of fresh ingredients. It was perfect for sharing with friends at a picnic or simply enjoying as a light, healthy lunch. Each bite was a burst of summer, making it clear that this dish was not only easy to make but also a delightful addition to any meal.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Mediterranean Pasta Delight
- Cook the farfalle pasta until just al dente to maintain a pleasant texture. Overcooking can lead to mushiness. Rinse the pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop it from cooking further and to cool it down quickly.
- Adjust the tanginess of the vinaigrette by adding more or less lemon juice and vinegar to taste. If you prefer a sweeter vinaigrette, you can add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
- Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
- Feel free to mix and match vegetables according to your preference or what you have on hand. Ingredients like bell peppers, cucumbers, and olives can be varied to suit your taste.
- If you’re not vegan, you can use regular feta cheese. For a different twist, try marinated tofu as a replacement for vegan feta.
Mediterranean Pasta Delight
Get ready to wow your taste buds with this vibrant Mediterranean Pasta Delight! Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or a light lunch, this dish is packed with fresh veggies, tangy vegan feta, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette. It’s a breeze to make, healthy, and absolutely delicious. Dive into a bowl of sunshine with this easy-to-follow recipe!
4
servings20
minutes10
minutes320
kcal30
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
For the Salad
2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
1 large cucumber diced
1 cup artichoke hearts (in brine) quartered
1 medium red onion thinly sliced
1 cup black olives pitted and halved
3 cloves garlic minced
8 ounces farfalle pasta (or rotini)
1 cup vegan feta cheese (see recipe below)
1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
Optional 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
Optional 1/4 cup peperoncini (pickled peppers), sliced
For the Greek Vinaigrette
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
Directions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Chop the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and yellow bell pepper (if using), quarter the artichoke hearts, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the black olives.
- Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried herbs if using. Whisk or shake well to emulsify.
- Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with additional parsley if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 320kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 8g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Potassium: 300mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 20mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 15mg
FAQ-Mediterranean Pasta Delight
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to 2 hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good toss before serving. If you plan to store it longer, wait to add the vinaigrette until just before serving to keep the pasta from becoming too soggy.
What can I substitute for vegan feta cheese?
You can use regular feta cheese if you’re not vegan. For a different option, try marinated tofu or a crumbled cashew cheese.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free pasta alternative such as rice pasta or quinoa pasta. Make sure the vegan feta or any other substitutes are also gluten-free.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! You can add chickpeas, grilled chicken, or even some tofu for extra protein. This will make the salad more filling and turn it into a more substantial meal.
What can I use instead of red wine vinegar?
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, you can substitute it with balsamic vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or even white wine vinegar. Each will give a slightly different flavor, but all are suitable replacements.
