GREEK PASTA SALAD

GREEK PASTA SALAD


2 cups penne pasta
¼ cup red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp. dried oregano
salt and pepper to taste
2/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
10 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
½ cucumber, sliced
½ cup sliced black olives
½ cup crumbled feta cheese

Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the penne, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta, uncovered, stirring occasionally; until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Rinse with cold water and drain well in a colander set in the sink.

Whisk together the vinegrette, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. Set aside. Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, green, and red peppers, cucumber, olive and feta cheese in a large bowl. Pour vinaigrette over the pasta and mix together. Cover and chill for 3 hours before serving.

Yield: 8 servings.