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Mediterranean Ranch Rigatoni Pasta Salad with Feta

Mediterranean Ranch Rigatoni Pasta Salad - featured image
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A vibrant, hearty pasta salad featuring rigatoni, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and creamy feta tossed in a tangy homemade Mediterranean ranch dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta, uncooked
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium English cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup bell pepper (red or yellow), diced
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let cool completely.
  3. Halve cherry tomatoes. Dice cucumber and bell pepper. Finely chop red onion. Slice olives. Chop parsley and dill.
  4. If milder onion flavor is desired, soak chopped onion in ice water for 5 minutes, then drain.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, dill, parsley, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled rigatoni, prepared veggies, and crumbled feta.
  7. Pour dressing over salad and gently toss with a wooden spoon until evenly coated.
  8. Add fresh herbs last for brightest flavor.
  9. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) to let flavors meld.
  10. Before serving, gently stir and add extra feta or herbs if desired. Serve chilled.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, substitute Greek yogurt, mayo, and feta with plant-based alternatives. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein. Toss fresh herbs in last for best flavor. If salad seems dry after chilling, add a drizzle of olive oil or splash of lemon juice. Salad tastes best chilled and can be made ahead.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, Mediterranean, ranch dressing, feta, summer recipe, picnic, vegetarian, easy salad, potluck, cold pasta salad

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/mediterranean-ranch-rigatoni-pasta-salad-with-feta-easy-summer-recipe/