Greek Protein Vegetable Pasta Salad

🥗 Introduction

This vibrant salad combines the hearty texture of pasta with the freshness of Mediterranean vegetables, herbs, and feta cheese. Balanced with protein and dressed in a zesty lemon-oregano vinaigrette, it’s a wholesome dish that serves 4 people—perfect for family meals or light entertaining.

📋 Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Penne or spiralli pasta – 150 g

• Feta cheese – 100 g

• Red or yellow bell pepper – 1 no.

• Cherry tomatoes – 100 g

• Green Kalamata olives – 15 nos.

• Fresh parsley – handful

• Fresh dill – handful

• Red onion – 1 no.

For the Dressing:

• Juice from half a lemon

• Olive oil – 2 to 3 tbsp

• Oregano – 1 tsp

• Salt and pepper – to taste

🔪 Preparation Steps

1. Prep the vegetables:

   • Thinly slice the red onion.

   • Crumble the feta cheese.

   • Slice the bell pepper into small pieces.

   • Halve the cherry tomatoes and olives.

   • Finely chop parsley and dill.

2. Cook the pasta:

   • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.

   • Remove 2–3 minutes before the packet’s suggested cooking time.

   • Drain and cool.

3. Combine the salad:

   • Place pasta, vegetables, herbs, olives, and feta in a large mixing bowl.

   • Set aside.

4. Prepare the dressing:

   • Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.

5. Finish the salad:

• Drizzle dressing over the salad.

• Toss thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated.