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Mediterranean cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and healthful properties. With its roots tracing back to the sun-drenched coasts of Southern Europe, this culinary tradition showcases a harmonious blend of vegetables, grains, proteins, and herbs. The Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on wholesome foods, not only delights the palate but also promotes overall well-being. As the temperatures rise and gatherings become more frequent, there's nothing quite as inviting as a chilled pasta salad—perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoying a light meal at home.

Cold Italian Pasta Salad

Discover the Chilled Mediterranean Pasta Symphony, a refreshing pasta salad perfect for any summer gathering! This vibrant dish combines wholesome ingredients like rotini pasta, colorful vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, all tossed in a light dressing. Easy to prepare and customizable, it caters to various tastes and dietary needs. Enjoy this light meal at picnics, barbecues, or as a quick weeknight dinner, while savoring the health benefits of Mediterranean cuisine!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced

½ cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup black olives, pitted and halved

¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled

½ cup Italian dressing (store-bought or homemade)

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside.

    Prep the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, prepare your vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell peppers, and finely chop the red onion.

      Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

        Dress the Salad: Pour the Italian dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Add the dried oregano and garlic powder, then gently toss everything together until well coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

          Chill the Salad: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

            Serve: Before serving, give the pasta salad a gentle toss, garnish with fresh basil leaves, and enjoy the vibrant burst of Mediterranean flavors!

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | Serves 6-8