Greek Pasta Salad

The fresh herbs, vegetables, and olives that characterize Greek cuisine are tossed with pasta in this sprightly salad recipe. Feta cheese gives it a tangy finish.

INGREDIENTS

• 12 ounces dried mostaccioli or penne (about 4 cups uncooked)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 medium cucumber, halved lengthwise and sliced
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1/3 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh basil or 2 tsp. dried basil, crushed
• 2 tablespoons snipped fresh oregano or 2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
• 1 tablespoon anchovy paste (optional)
• 4 -6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 oz.)
• Fresh oregano leaves

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain in a colander. Rinse with cold water; drain again.
2. In a large bowl toss together the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, and olives.
3. In a screw-top jar combine the olive oil, lemon juice, basil, the 2 tablespoons oregano, anchovy paste (if using), garlic, salt, and pepper. Cover and shake well. Drizzle over past mixture; toss to coat.
4. Cover and chill in refrigerator for as least 2 hours or up to 24 hours. To serve, add feta cheese; toss. Sprinkle fresh oregano leaves. Makes 12 to 16 side-dish servings.

Credits to: midwestliving.com