Grape and Feta Pasta Salad
Grape and Feta Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant summer side dish combining juicy seedless grapes, tangy crumbled feta, and tender rotini or bowtie pasta, tossed in a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing with fresh herbs and red onion. This salad offers a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, ideal as a light lunch, picnic addition, or accompaniment to grilled meats and seafood.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook / Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free pasta option)
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces rotini or bowtie pasta
Fresh Produce
- 1 cup seedless red or green grapes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Dairy
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Pantry
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking, then set aside to drain completely.
- Prepare the Grapes and Veggies: While the pasta cooks, halve the grapes and thinly slice the red onion. Chop fresh herbs finely to release their aroma and flavor.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing enhances the salad’s fresh ingredients without overpowering them.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add cooled pasta, grapes, red onion, crumbled feta, and herbs. Pour the dressing over and gently toss everything until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the best refreshing taste.
Notes
- Choose seedless grapes for easier eating and better salad texture.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain freshness.
- Drain pasta thoroughly to avoid diluting the dressing.
- Use fresh lemon juice for a bright and natural citrus flavor.
- Allow the salad to chill to let flavors fully develop and intensify.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: grape pasta salad, feta pasta salad, summer salad, gluten free pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, easy pasta salad, picnic salad, side dish
Find it online: https://marycorner.com/grape-and-feta-pasta-salad/