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+ servings

California Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette

A vibrant Mediterranean pasta salad with rotini, crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and feta in a zesty California Meyer lemon herb vinaigrette.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 410

Ingredients
  

Main Recipe
  • 1 lb rotini pasta about 450g
  • 2 cups Persian cucumbers sliced, about 300g
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved, about 300g
  • 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced, about 75g
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives pitted, about 150g
  • 6 oz feta cheese crumbled, about 170g
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley chopped, about 15g
  • 1/2 cup California extra-virgin olive oil 120ml
  • 1/4 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice 60ml
  • 1 tsp dried oregano 5ml
  • salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking and cool it down.
  2. While the pasta cools, slice the Persian cucumbers into half-moons, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the dressing is well emulsified.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, onion, and olives. Pour the dressing over the top and toss well to coat everything evenly. Gently fold in the crumbled feta and chopped parsley. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Nutrition

Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 11gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 620mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6g

Notes

For best texture, rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to remove excess starch and prevent sticking. Add the cucumbers just before serving if you want them extra crunchy. This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, but the cucumbers may soften. Substitute Kalamata olives with any briny black olive. Serve chilled or at room temperature as a side or light lunch. For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.

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