Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing, and incredibly versatile dish that combines the delicious flavors of Greek cuisine with the comfort of pasta. Packed with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a potluck offering. It’s an ideal option for those warm, sunny days when you crave something fresh and satisfying without too much effort in the kitchen.

What makes Greek Pasta Salad truly special is its ability to be both hearty and refreshing at the same time. The chewy pasta serves as the perfect base to absorb the bold flavors of the Mediterranean ingredients, while the vegetables and feta bring in a bright, savory contrast. The homemade dressing, made with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs, ties everything together and gives it a signature Greek flavor. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare, adaptable, and sure to impress your friends and family.

Why You’ll Love Greek Pasta Salad

• Fresh and Flavorful: Greek Pasta Salad is bursting with fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions, all complemented by the salty, creamy feta cheese. The tangy lemon and olive oil dressing gives it a bold Mediterranean flavor.
• Customizable: This salad can be made with a variety of ingredients, allowing you to adjust it to your personal tastes. Add more veggies, substitute the pasta, or try different cheeses – the possibilities are endless!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing a dish for a family gathering, picnic, or BBQ, Greek Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish. It’s light yet satisfying, making it ideal for any meal or event.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This salad keeps well in the fridge for several days, making it an excellent option for meal prep. It can be made ahead of time and enjoyed throughout the week, with the flavors only getting better as it sits.
• Healthy and Nutritious: With nutrient-packed ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, this salad is full of vitamins, antioxidants, and healthy fats. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to add more fresh produce to their diet.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes (for pasta)
• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Around 250-300 calories per serving, depending on ingredients used.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal
• Fat: 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 pound (16 oz) pasta (such as rotini, penne, or bowtie)
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
• 1/4 cup bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Special Equipment

Though this recipe doesn’t require specialized equipment, having a few essential kitchen tools will help streamline the process:

1. Large Pot: A large pot for cooking the pasta is essential to ensure there’s enough room for the pasta to cook evenly.
2. Colander: A colander will help drain the pasta quickly after cooking, ensuring there’s no excess water left when assembling the salad.
3. Mixing Bowls: A large mixing bowl will be necessary for tossing the salad ingredients together. If you’re making a double batch, you may want to use a bigger bowl.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are essential for accurately measuring out the dressing ingredients and ensuring the proper balance of flavors.
5. Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife and cutting board are necessary for chopping the vegetables and cutting the feta cheese into cubes (if needed).
6. Whisk or Fork: A whisk or fork will be helpful for emulsifying the dressing and mixing all the ingredients thoroughly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches al dente texture (typically about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta). Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help the pasta maintain its texture and prevent it from becoming too soft.

After rinsing, set the pasta aside in a large mixing bowl to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

While the pasta is cooking, take this time to prep the vegetables. Dice the cucumber into small bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives. If you’re using bell peppers, dice them as well. These fresh ingredients are the backbone of the Greek Pasta Salad, adding crunch, sweetness, and color.

If you’re using fresh parsley, chop a small handful to sprinkle over the salad for a burst of freshness.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until all the ingredients are well combined and the dressing emulsifies into a smooth mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar to your liking.

4. Assemble the Salad

Once the pasta has cooled slightly, add all of the prepared vegetables—cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and bell peppers—into the mixing bowl with the pasta. Add the crumbled or cubed feta cheese on top of the vegetables. Then, pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta and vegetables evenly with the dressing.

Be careful not to break up the feta too much as you toss the salad, as you want to keep it in chunks for the best texture.

5. Chill the Salad (Optional)

While Greek Pasta Salad is delicious immediately, it tastes even better after it’s had time to marinate and chill. If you have time, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensifies the taste of the salad. It’s an excellent dish to prepare in advance for a picnic or potluck, as it can be made a few hours ahead of time.

6. Serve the Salad

Once the salad is ready, give it one final gentle toss to ensure everything is evenly distributed. If you’d like, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for an added touch of color and flavor. Serve the Greek Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Greek Pasta Salad

• Choose the Right Pasta: Pasta shape is important in this recipe. While you can use any type of pasta, small shapes like rotini, farfalle, or penne work best because they can hold the dressing and vegetables well.
• Use Good Quality Olive Oil: Since the dressing relies on olive oil as a base, choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. The richness of the olive oil will make a big difference in the final taste of the salad.
• Customize the Vegetables: Greek Pasta Salad is highly customizable. Feel free to add or subtract vegetables based on your preferences. You can add bell peppers, red onion, or even artichokes for added flavor and texture. Try adding a handful of chopped Kalamata olives or sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair.
• Make it Vegan: For a dairy-free version of this salad, simply omit the feta cheese and substitute it with a vegan feta or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, savory flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, or firm to the bite. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy once it’s mixed with the dressing and vegetables.
• Marinate for Better Flavor: If you have the time, allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. The flavors will intensify, and the pasta will absorb more of the dressing.

Variations of Greek Pasta Salad

• Greek Pasta Salad with Grilled Chicken: Add some grilled chicken to make the salad more filling and add protein. Simply grill the chicken breasts, slice them, and add them to the salad for a complete meal.
• Greek Pasta Salad with Roasted Vegetables: If you prefer a warm salad, try roasting vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers and mixing them with the pasta. The roasted vegetables add a smoky depth to the dish.
• Greek Pasta Salad with Red Pepper and Spinach: For extra greens, add a handful of baby spinach or arugula to the salad. You can also include roasted red peppers for more sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Spicy Greek Pasta Salad: Add a kick to your Greek Pasta Salad by tossing in some crushed red pepper flakes or finely diced fresh chili peppers. This will bring a touch of heat that balances the coolness of the cucumber and feta.

Storage and Shelf Life

Greek Pasta Salad is a fantastic dish for meal prepping, as it stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the salad in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Over time, the pasta may absorb more of the dressing, so you may want to add a little more olive oil or lemon juice when serving leftovers.

If you plan on making the salad ahead of time, you can prepare all the ingredients separately and assemble the salad just before serving. This will ensure the pasta doesn’t become too soggy.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of meals. Here are some great side dishes and main courses that complement the flavors of this Mediterranean-inspired salad:

• Grilled Lamb or Chicken: Grilled lamb chops or chicken skewers are a perfect protein pairing for Greek Pasta Salad. The smoky, savory flavors from the grill complement the tangy dressing and feta.
• Hummus and Pita Bread: Serve some homemade or store-bought hummus with warm pita bread on the side for a complete Mediterranean spread.
• Roasted Fish: A simple roasted fish, such as salmon or cod, would pair beautifully with the bright, fresh flavors of Greek Pasta Salad.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Serve Greek Pasta Salad alongside a bowl of creamy tzatziki sauce, perfect for dipping pita or fresh vegetables.
• Olives and Cheese: A small platter of mixed olives and a selection of cheeses, such as Greek kasseri or goat cheese, would round out your Mediterranean meal.

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Conclusion

Greek Pasta Salad is a delightful and flavorful dish that brings the best of Mediterranean cuisine to your table. With its fresh vegetables, tangy dressing, and creamy feta, it’s a perfect addition to any meal or event. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a side for dinner, or a dish for a potluck, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare, customizable, and packed with nutrients, Greek Pasta Salad is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.