Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender rotini or penne pasta with classic Greek ingredients for a refreshing and satisfying meal. This Easy Greek Pasta Salad features crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, sliced red onions, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty homemade Greek dressing.
The recipe is straightforward and perfect for picnics, cookouts, or light lunches. This Feta Pasta Salad is a versatile, make-ahead option that delivers bold Greek flavors in every bite.
Vibrant Ingredients for a Mediterranean Delight
The foundation of a delightful Greek Pasta Salad lies in its colorful ingredients.
Juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and sliced red onions create a refreshing base that is both visually appealing and packed with flavor.
Kalamata olives add a briny depth, while crumbled feta cheese introduces a creamy texture that perfectly complements the other components.
This combination not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also ensures a variety of tastes and textures in every bite.
The addition of fresh herbs enhances the overall experience, bringing a touch of the Mediterranean right to your table.
Preparing the Perfect Pasta
To achieve the ideal texture for your Greek Pasta Salad, selecting the right pasta is essential.
Rotini or penne are excellent choices, as their shapes hold onto the dressing and other ingredients well.
Cooking the pasta until it is al dente ensures that it maintains a slight bite, providing a satisfying contrast to the fresh vegetables.
Once cooked, rinsing the pasta under cold water halts the cooking process and cools it down, making it ready to mix with the other ingredients.
This step is crucial for achieving a refreshing salad that can be enjoyed on warm days.
Creating a Zesty Dressing
The dressing is where the magic happens in this Easy Greek Pasta Salad.
A simple blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and Dijon mustard creates a tangy and flavorful coating for the salad.
Seasoning with salt and pepper allows you to adjust the taste to your liking, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor.
Whisking these ingredients together in a small bowl is quick and easy, making it a perfect addition to your meal prep routine.
This zesty dressing not only enhances the salad but also ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
Combining Flavors for a Refreshing Dish
Once the pasta has cooled, it’s time to bring everything together.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta with the vibrant vegetables, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
Pour the zesty dressing over the mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more harmonious dish.
This step is essential for a truly refreshing Greek Pasta Salad that can be served at picnics, barbecues, or as a light lunch.
Serving Suggestions and Presentation
When it comes to serving your Greek Pasta Salad, presentation plays a key role.
Using a rustic bowl enhances the Mediterranean theme, while a wooden spoon adds a charming touch.
Setting the salad on a bright tablecloth not only makes it visually appealing but also invites everyone to dig in.
Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the dish further, adding a pop of color and freshness.
This Pasta Greek Salad is not just a meal; it’s a centerpiece that brings people together.
Versatility and Variations
This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is incredibly versatile.
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as bell peppers or artichokes, to suit your taste.
You can also adjust the amount of feta cheese or olives based on your preferences, making it a customizable dish.
Whether you’re preparing this Feta Pasta Salad for a gathering or enjoying it as a meal prep option, it’s sure to impress.
With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a delightful addition to any table.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad with Feta
This Greek Pasta Salad combines al dente pasta with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing, making it a delightful addition to any meal. The salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Toss the salad again before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 250kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g