Greek Pasta Salad

Looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for warm weather, potlucks, or just an easy weeknight dinner? Say hello to Greek Pasta Salad! This salad is a colorful medley of crunchy veggies, tangy feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and perfectly cooked pasta, all drizzled with a zesty lemon-oregano vinaigrette. It’s the kind of dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture, making it an instant crowd-pleaser.

Picture this: the bright taste of fresh cucumber and juicy tomatoes, combined with the salty feta and olives, all tossed in a vibrant dressing that pulls everything together. It’s the perfect side dish or light main course, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. It’s simple, fresh, and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love Greek Pasta Salad

• Fresh and Flavorful: The crisp veggies and tangy feta make every bite a burst of freshness and flavor.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or spontaneous gatherings.
• Customizable: You can add your favorite ingredients, like roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts, to make it your own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This salad stores well in the fridge, so it’s ideal for making ahead of time for lunches or BBQs.
• Versatile: Whether it’s a light dinner, a side at a picnic, or a dish to bring to a party, this salad works for any occasion.

Ingredients

You’ll need just a few simple ingredients to make this Greek Pasta Salad shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salad:

• Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle works great. The little nooks and crannies hold onto the dressing beautifully.
• Cucumbers: Crisp, cool cucumbers add a refreshing crunch to balance out the richness of the feta.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, they’re a colorful addition that gives the salad a burst of flavor.
• Red Onion: Adds a little zing and crunch. Just be sure to slice it thinly to avoid overpowering the salad.
• Kalamata Olives: The salty, briny olives are the quintessential Greek ingredient that elevates the whole dish.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled or in large blocks, feta adds that creamy, tangy bite that makes this salad so delicious.

For the Dressing:

• Olive Oil: The base of the dressing, giving it a rich, fruity flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens everything up and gives the dressing a nice tang.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds depth and complexity to the dressing.
• Dried Oregano: The herb that ties it all together with its earthy and aromatic flavor.
• Garlic: A little minced garlic adds a kick of flavor to the dressing.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning and balance.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now, let’s get to the good part—the making of this fresh and zesty Greek Pasta Salad!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up well in the salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool. You can even rinse it with cold water to speed up the cooling process if needed.

Step 2: Prepare the Veggies

While the pasta is cooling, chop your cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer less onion bite, you can soak the onion slices in a little water to mellow out their flavor. Slice the Kalamata olives and crumble the feta cheese.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake the dressing until it’s well combined.

Step 4: Toss the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, veggies, olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until it’s evenly coated. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the best flavor, let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy the fresh, tangy, and savory goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional information per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: 250 calories
• Total Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 10mg
• Sodium: 500mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 22g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 5g
• Vitamin A: 6%
• Vitamin C: 25%
• Calcium: 6%
• Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (for the pasta)
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Greek Pasta Salad

• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish for a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• For a Picnic: This salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings or potlucks. It holds up well at room temperature, making it a stress-free choice.
• As a Light Meal: Top the salad with grilled chicken or shrimp to turn it into a more substantial meal.
• With Extra Feta: If you love feta as much as I do, feel free to sprinkle more crumbled feta on top before serving!

Additional Tips

• Make It Vegan: Skip the feta cheese and replace it with a plant-based alternative, or use a little extra hummus to add creaminess.
• Customize It: Add roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even some fresh herbs like parsley or basil to take this salad to the next level.
• Leftovers: This salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good toss before serving to refresh the dressing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A1: Absolutely! You can use any short pasta like fusilli, bow tie, or elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook it al dente.

Q2: Can I add protein to this salad?

A2: Yes, grilled chicken, lamb, or shrimp would make a fantastic addition to this salad for a more filling meal.

Q3: Can I make this salad ahead of time?

A3: Yes! In fact, it gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld together.

Q4: Can I use Kalamata olives if I don’t like olives?

A4: If you’re not a fan of olives, you can skip them or replace them with something like roasted red peppers or capers for a salty bite.

Q5: Can I make this gluten-free?

A5: Yes! Just use gluten-free pasta, and the salad will be completely gluten-free.

Q6: How do I store leftovers?

A6: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a toss before serving.

Q7: Can I use store-bought dressing?

A7: While homemade dressing adds a personal touch, you can use store-bought Greek dressing if you’re short on time.

Q8: How can I make this salad spicier?

A8: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the salad.

Q9: Can I add more vegetables to this salad?

A9: Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, zucchini, or even a handful of fresh spinach to make the salad even more vibrant.

Q10: How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?

A10: Make sure the pasta is well-drained and cooled before adding it to the salad. You can even toss the pasta with a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.

Conclusion

This Greek Pasta Salad is the ultimate dish to bring to your next gathering or enjoy on a warm afternoon. It’s fresh, light, and packed with Mediterranean flavors that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Whether you’re making it for a casual meal or serving it up at a party, it’s bound to be a hit. So, grab your ingredients, toss everything together, and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!

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