This Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad is a delightful mix of fresh vegetables, flavorful cheeses, and a tangy homemade dressing.
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents it from sticking together.
Chop the red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion into bite-sized pieces.
Uniformly sized pieces ensure even distribution of flavors in each bite.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference before mixing it with the salad.
Combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, feta cheese, and kalamata olives in a large salad bowl.
Gently toss the ingredients to avoid breaking the pasta or crumbling the feta too much.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
Add the dressing gradually to avoid over-dressing the salad; you can always add more if needed.
Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
Chilling the salad enhances the flavor and makes it a refreshing dish for warm days.