Mediterranean Salad
To prepare a delicious pasta salad with fresh vegetables and cheese, we start by boiling the pasta. We choose our favorite type of pasta, whether it’s fusilli, penne, or spaghetti, and put it in a pot of boiling, slightly salted water. According to the instructions on the package, the pasta will boil for 6-8 minutes until it becomes al dente. It is important to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Once ready, we drain the water and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and make it less sticky.
In the meantime, we take care of preparing the vegetables and greens. We wash the tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and green onions well. We peel them if necessary, and then chop them into cubes or slices, depending on our preferences. These fresh vegetables will add not only color but also a fresh and crunchy taste to our salad. Additionally, we don’t forget to prepare the olives, which we pit and cut in half to easily integrate them into the mix.
The feta cheese, with its creamy texture and slightly salty taste, is cut into suitable cubes. This will provide a pleasant contrast with the vegetables and enrich the salad nutritionally. In a large bowl, we combine all the ingredients: boiled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, and feta cubes.
We add salt, being careful to adjust the amount according to the taste of the olives and cheese, which may already be salty. We also pour in a tablespoon of vinegar, which will add a note of acidity and enhance the flavors. Finely chopped dill is the key ingredient that will give a fresh and aromatic taste to the salad.
Finally, we mix everything carefully so that the ingredients are evenly distributed. The salad can be served immediately or left to sit in the fridge to meld the flavors. Depending on individual preferences, we can also add other fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, to customize the recipe. Additionally, dried oregano or coriander can add an exotic touch. This pasta salad is perfect as an appetizer or main dish on warm days, being both easy to prepare and full of vitamins. Enjoy every bite!
Ingredients: - 150 g tortellini (I used the prosciutto version, but any will do); - 2 cucumbers; - 2 green onions (I used the red variety); - 10 cherry tomatoes; - 50 g telemea cheese; - 50 g kalamata olives; - a few lettuce leaves; - 1/2 bunch of dill; - 2 tablespoons of olive oil; - 2 tablespoons of vinegar; - salt to taste; - slices of lemon (lime).
