Mediterranean Herb-Infused Pasta Salad

🛒 Ingredients

• #Pasta & Vegetables;
• 300 g farfalle (bowtie) pasta — or your favourite shape
• 250 g cherry tomatoes — halved.. ½ cup pitted black olives — halved or whole
• ½ small red onion — very thinly sliced.. ½ yellow or red bell pepper — diced
• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves — torn.. 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley — chopped
• 1 tsp fresh oregano — chopped (or ½ tsp dried)
• Optional: cucumber cubes, capers, or sun-dried tomatoes
• #Herb-Infused Lemon Dressing;
• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil.. 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest.. 1 tbsp red wine vinegar,.. 1 clove garlic — minced finely
• ½ tsp sea salt.. ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp dried oregano.. Pinch of chilli flakes (optional)

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 10–12 minutes until al dente — tender but still firm. Drain well and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking and keep it from sticking.

2. 2

   Make the dressing: In a jar or bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, dried oregano, and chilli flakes until smooth and emulsified. Taste and adjust — add more lemon for brightness or extra salt to taste.

3. 3

   Combine base: In a large bowl, toss warm (not hot!) pasta with about two-thirds of the dressing — pasta absorbs flavour best while still slightly warm.

4. 4

   Add vegetables & herbs: Add cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, bell pepper, and half the fresh herbs. Toss gently to combine.

5. 5

   Finish & serve: Drizzle with remaining dressing. Scatter the rest of the fresh basil and parsley on top. Let rest 15–20 minutes at room temperature so flavours meld. Serve warm, chilled, or at room temp — best within 24 hours!