How to Prepare Lemon and Avocado Mediterranean Pasta Salad

What makes this pasta salad Mediterranean

It is named so because it is loaded with everything Mediterranean; which includes

• Cucumbers
• Olives
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Feta cheese
• Bell peppers/capsicum
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Red onion
• Avocado

With this salad, the possibilities are unlimited. You can add marinated artichokes, fire-roasted peppers, and goat cheese in place of feta, arugula, or spinach in place of lettuce.

How to make the perfect pasta salad

In a big pot of salted, boiling water, cook your pasta. It should be drained, mixed with some olive oil, and then left to cool. Chop the cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, finely chop the herbs, and crumble the feta. Put everything in a large bowl and whisk the dressing ingredients together. 

What to serve with this pasta salad

Your favorite flavors are accentuated in the pasta salad dressing, which also has a little tangy flavor. Perfect for family dinners, parties, get-togethers, and potlucks. This Mediterranean pasta salad with avocado, lemon, and herbs can be paired with practically anything. Of course, you may offer it as a side salad to any of the following dishes: lamb chops, salmon or fish that has been seared, roast chicken with garlic and herbs, and burgers.

Ingredients

350 grams dry pasta

For salad:

4 cups lettuce leaves, washed and dried

1 large cucumber, diced

1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and chopped

1 small red bell pepper, deseeded and cut into thin strips

250 grams grape or cherry tomatoes halved

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

½ cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced

1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained

5-6 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese

For lemon herb dressing:

1/3 cup olive/cooking oil

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley

2 teaspoons garlic, minced

2 teaspoons dried oregano, minced

1 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon salt

Cracked pepper, to taste

Procedure

Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water until cooked.

Drain in a colander or strainer, then rinse under cold water to take the heat out.

Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl.

Make the lemon herb dressing while the pasta is boiling then combine the marinade/dressing ingredients on a large bowl.

Add all of the salad ingredients into the salad bowl along with the pasta, and drizzle with the dressing.

Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the dressing is distributed equally throughout.

Season with extra salt and pepper, if desired then serve immediately.

Tips for making salad pasta

Give your spaghetti a little more time to cook than usual. In order for the pasta to stay soft as it cools, it shouldn't be mushy.

Prior to combining the pasta with the other ingredients, let it cool fully. The heated pasta will begin to cook and wilt the vegetables if it is still warm.

Save some herbs for garnish. If you choose to prepare this pasta salad in advance, keep some of the herbs and pine nuts for garnish. The herbs will be especially fresh, lovely, and flavorful, and the pine nuts will maintain their crunch.

Adjust to taste. This salad recipe is extremely adaptable, so taste it and make any necessary adjustments before serving. If you prefer a tangier salad, increase the amount of lemon and greens, and always, always season the salad with salt to taste.

Conclusion

This meal of chilled pasta salad is ideal for the summer. It is incredibly flexible because you may change the ingredients to your desire. It can be prepared up to a day in advance, but to keep the avocado and tomato as fresh as possible, save to add them until you are ready to serve. If you would like, you can exclude some of the components or entirely customize them by adding whatever you desire.