Name: Zesty Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 English cucumber, diced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat, then add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions for about 9 to 10 minutes until it is just al dente.

While the pasta cooks, prepare your dressing by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until fully emulsified.

Chop your cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, and red onion, then place them into a large mixing bowl and gently toss to combine.

Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse it briefly under cold running water to stop the cooking process, shaking off any excess water thoroughly so the dressing does not get diluted.

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the chopped vegetables, then pour the zesty lemon herb dressing over the mixture and toss well to coat.

Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley, then taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.