What are some of the best flavor explosions ever?Greek Pasta Salad: What areIs this one of my all-time favorite recipes? Think of it as a way more exciting version of your regular pasta salad, packed with vibrant colors. Mediterranean flavors that will make your taste buds sing. What’s up there with my famous Caprese Salad? I could eat this stuff every single day.
What is Greek Pasta Salad?
Okay, so picture this: I’m a What are some of the best pastas to serve with a bright and tangy dressing? Mediterranean goodies. We’re talking juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, briny olives and creamy feta cheese. And a generous portion of bread. Sprinkle with fresh herbs. What is sunshine in a bowl? The name comes from the fact that it uses all those classic Greek salad ingredients but combines them all. What are some good substitutes for pasta? What is the perfect side dish for a weeknight potluck? What is a deconstructed Greek salad?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to fall in love with someone?Greek Pasta Salad: What areFirst and foremost, the flavor is just amazing. The combination of tangy dressing, salty feta, and fresh vegetables is a total winner. Is it easy to make? I mean, we’re talking about throwing ingredients into a bowl and tossing it together. Is it really that simple? Is it also incredibly cost-effective, using mostly pantry staples and affordable veggies? What I love the most is the versatility. Can you customize it to your own taste by adding different vegetables, proteins, or even a whole grain? What is a little bit of spice? What is a lifesaver on those nights when you just don’t have the energy to cook something? What are some good ways to prepare a meal the next day? Is it similar in ease to my Tomato and Mozzarella Skewers?
How do I make Greek Pasta Salad?
Quick Overview
Making this Greek Pasta Salad: What areIs honestly a breeze. What is the best way to cook pasta, chop up veggies, whisk together dressing, and toss. Everything together. Everything. What is the beauty of this recipe? You can adjust it to your own taste preferences and dietary needs. Is it so easy to cook? The real magic is in the freshness of ingredients and the zing of the dressing. What is better than a store bought pasta salad?
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle work great) – I usually go for roti because the little bits are nice. What are some of the best spirals to use for dressing? Cook according to package directions until al dente. Make sure to salt the water generously!
For the Vegetables:
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved – Look for tomatoes that are firm and bright red. You can also use grape tomatoes if you prefer.
1 cucumber, peeled, seeded and diced – I always peel the cucumber because the skin can be a little rough. Is it necessary to remove the seeds from a salad to prevent it from getting too watery?
1 red bell pepper, diced – Adds a nice sweetness and crunch. What are some ways to use a yellow bell pepper for color?
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced – I like to soak the onion in cold water for a few minutes to make it soft. How do I mellow out my taste? Can be a bit overpowering otherwise.
1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved – Kalamamas have a rich, briny flavor that’s great for spicing. What are the essential ingredients in this salad? Is it possible to find these in supermarkets?
For the Cheese:
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled – I prefer to use feta that comes in a block and crumble it myself. It tastes much fresher than the pre-crumbled stuff. If you’re not a fan of feta, you could try using goat cheese instead, but it won’t have the same salty tang.
For the Dressing:
1/4 cup olive oil – Use a good quality extra virgin olive for the best flavor.
1/4 cup red wine vinegar – Adds a nice tang to the dressing. You could also use white wine vinegar or lemon juice if you prefer.
2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is always best!
1 tablespoon dried oregano – A key ingredient in Greek cuisine. You can also use fresh oregano if you have it on hand.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – Helps to emulsify the dressing and adds a little bit of zing.
1 clove garlic, minced – Adds a pungent flavor that complements the other ingredients.
Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be afraid to season generously!
Optional:
Fresh parsley, chopped – Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color.
Fresh dill, chopped – Another great herb to add for a more complex flavor profile.
If you want to make this a more substantial meal, add some protein.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This also helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. What is the best way to halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. What is Kalamata olives?
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I always taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes I add a little bit of honey for sweetness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and the chopped parmesan cheese. Set aside. Toss everything together until well combined. If you’re adding fresh parsley or dill, toss it in now.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial! The salad tastes so much better after it’s had a chance to chill. Serve cold and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
This Greek Pasta SaladCan be served in many different ways! I often serve it as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks. How does it go with grilled chicken, fish, or burgers? What is a good light lunch or dinner? What are some more specific serving suggestions?
For a BBQ: Serve alongside grilled chicken or skewers. The tanginess of the salad cuts through the richness of the grilled meats perfectly.
For a Picnic: Pack it in a container and take it to the park! It’s easy to transport and doesn’t require any heating.
For a light lunch: Add some grilled chickpeas or canned tuna for extra protein and make it a complete meal.
For a Potluck: This is always a crowd-pleaser! It’s easy to make a large batch and it’s sure to be a hit.
My family also loves to eat this with some warm pita bread on the side. It’s perfect for scooping up all the extra dressing and veggies!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Greek Pasta Salad
Okay, so I’ve made this Greek Pasta Salad countless times, and I’ve learned a few tricks along the way. Here are my top tips for making the perfect salad every time:
Don’t overcook the pasta: This is crucial! Overcooked pasta will be mushy and will absorb too much dressing. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite.
Don’t skip the chilling time: As I mentioned before, the salad tastes so much better after it’s had a chance to chill. The flavors meld together and the pasta absorbs the dressing. I recommend chilling it for at least 30 minutes, but longer is even better.
Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This is especially important for the vegetables. Look for tomatoes that are firm and bright red, cucumbers that are crisp, and red onions that are firm and not too pungent.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the dressing: The dressing is what really makes this salad shine. I encourage you to taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you like it sweeter, add a little bit of honey. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Add protein: To make this salad more of a complete meal, add some protein. Grilled chicken, chickpeas, canned tuna, or even Hard-Boiled Eggs are all great options.
Make it ahead of time: This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better the next day! Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Greek Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prepping and leftovers! Here’s how to store it properly:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you may want to add a little extra olive oil or vinegar before serving.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the vegetables will become mushy when thawed.
This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just take it out of the refrigerator and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolute favorite Greek Pasta Salad recipe! I truly hope you give it a try. It’s the perfect dish for any occasion, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. The fresh flavors, the easy preparation, and the endless customization options make it a true winner in my book. If you’re looking for other easy and delicious salad recipes, be sure to check out my Watermelon and Feta Salad! Let me know in the comments below if you give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to rate it! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking!
Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Rotini pasta
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup Red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, olives, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
