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Grape and Feta Pasta Salad

Grape and Feta Pasta Salad
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The Grape and Feta Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that combines sweet, juicy grapes with tangy, creamy feta cheese and tender pasta. Enhanced with cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs, all lightly dressed in olive oil and lemon juice, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic side, or a light dinner, offering a colorful, nutritious, and flavorful experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups rotini or penne pasta

Fresh Produce

  • 1 cup red grapes, washed and halved
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or mint, chopped

Cheese

  • ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
  2. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients: While the pasta cools, wash and halve the grapes and cherry tomatoes. Peel and chop the cucumber into small pieces. Thinly slice the red onion and chop the fresh herbs.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a light and tangy dressing that complements the freshness of the salad.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss cooked pasta, grapes, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and herbs. Drizzle the dressing over and gently mix to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the delicate feta.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled for a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Notes

  • Al Dente Pasta: Cooking pasta just right ensures it holds its texture even when chilled.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh, high-quality grapes and herbs really elevates the flavor profile.
  • Chill Properly: Letting the salad rest in the fridge helps all the flavors mingle and intensifies the taste.
  • Dress Lightly: Adding too much dressing can weigh down the salad, so start small and adjust.
  • Serve Cold: The salad tastes best when served cold to refresh your palate.

Nutrition

Keywords: grape pasta salad, feta cheese salad, summer salad, easy pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy lunch, picnic salad

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/grape-and-feta-pasta-salad/