Mediterranean Pasta Salad: Cooked pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, cucumber, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a delicious and colorful dish that combines cooked pasta with an array of fresh vegetables and flavorful Mediterranean ingredients. It's perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light and refreshing lunch. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

8 ounces (about 225 grams) pasta (penne, fusilli, or bowtie works well)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, diced cucumber, sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the Mediterranean Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and, if necessary, add a little more olive oil or vinegar for moisture.
Garnish with some additional chopped parsley, if desired, and enjoy!

You can also customize this pasta salad by adding other Mediterranean ingredients such as artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or chickpeas. It's a versatile and tasty dish that's sure to be a hit!