Greek Pasta Salad
This Greek pasta salad is a delightful blend of Mediterranean flavors, combining al dente pasta with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny olives. Tossed in a zesty dressing, it’s perfect as a side or a light meal. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick lunch, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
– 2 cups rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 10 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1/4 of the salad) contains approximately 300 calories, 15g fat, 30g carbohydrates, 10g protein, and 3g fiber. This is for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. 2. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion. 4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. 5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine. 6. Add the crumbled feta cheese on top and mix lightly. 7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. 8. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. 9. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional feta and olives if desired. 10. Enjoy your refreshing Greek pasta salad! 
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily customize this salad by substituting ingredients. For example, quinoa or whole grain pasta can replace traditional pasta. If you prefer, use fresh herbs like parsley or mint instead of dried oregano. Additionally, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or leave it out entirely for a vegan option.
Serving and Pairings
This Greek pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. It also makes a great side dish for barbecues and picnics. Serve it alongside crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits. This salad is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta—make sure it’s al dente.
- Not rinsing the pasta, which can lead to clumping.
- Using too much dressing, which can overwhelm the flavors.
- Forgetting to season the salad, as salt enhances the taste.
- Using stale or low-quality olives, which can affect the overall flavor.
- Skipping the refrigerating step, which allows flavors to meld.
- Not measuring the ingredients, leading to imbalanced flavors.
Helpful Tips
– Use seasonal vegetables for the freshest taste. – Experiment with different types of pasta for variety. – Add cooked proteins like chicken or chickpeas for additional nutrition. – Allow the salad to sit for a bit before serving for enhanced flavor. 
FAQs
Can I make Greek pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. It’s a great option for meal prep or gatherings, as the flavors improve after sitting.
What type of pasta works best?
Rotini or fusilli pasta is ideal as their shape holds the dressing and ingredients well. However, any pasta can be used.
Is Greek pasta salad healthy?
Yes, it contains a variety of fresh vegetables, healthy fats from olive oil, and protein from feta cheese, making it a nutritious option.
Can I add meat to the salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken or shrimp can be added for extra protein and flavor.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the vegetables may lose some texture over time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Greek pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a light meal or a side dish, this salad is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Add the crumbled feta cheese on top and mix lightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with additional feta and olives if desired.