Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
- Fresh and Healthy: Packed with crisp vegetables and wholesome ingredients.
- Versatile: Serve as a side dish or add your favorite protein for a complete meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Flavors meld beautifully when prepared in advance.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta: 12 oz of bow-tie pasta (farfalle) or any other short-cut pasta.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 12 oz, halved.
- Cucumber: 2 medium, quartered.
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium, diced.
- Red Onion: ⅓ cup, chopped.
- Olives: ⅓ cup pitted black olives, sliced; ⅓ cup pitted green olives, sliced.
- Feta Cheese: 4 oz, crumbled.
- For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine Vegetables and Pasta: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, quartered cucumbers, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, and sliced olives to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Add Pasta and Feta: Gently fold in the cooked pasta and crumbled feta cheese, ensuring all ingredients are well mixed and coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes.
- Total Time: 20 minutes.
Variations
- Protein Addition: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for added protein.
- Different Pasta: Use whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or orzo for a twist.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes for more variety.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the flavors.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If desired, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Short-cut pastas like farfalle, penne, or fusilli are ideal as they hold the dressing well and are easy to eat.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, preparing it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld, enhancing the taste.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely, this Greek Pasta Salad is meatless and vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based alternative to make the salad vegan.
What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as substitutes for red wine vinegar.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente and rinse it with cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process.
Can I use bottled dressing instead of making my own?
While homemade dressing offers fresh flavor, a quality store-bought Greek dressing can be used for convenience.
What other cheeses can I use besides feta?
Goat cheese or ricotta salata can be good alternatives to feta in this salad.
How long can this salad sit out at a picnic?
It’s safe to leave the salad out for up to 2 hours. Beyond that, it should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage.
Can I add nuts or seeds to this salad?
Yes, adding toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds can provide a delightful crunch.
Conclusion
This Greek Pasta Salad is a versatile and flavorful dish that brings together the best of Mediterranean
quick and easy Greek Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 20 minutes.
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This quick and easy Greek Pasta Salad combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors with fresh vegetables, al dente pasta, and a tangy homemade dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or a crowd-pleasing addition to picnics and potlucks.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz bow-tie pasta (farfalle) or other short-cut pasta.
- Vegetables:
- 12 oz cherry tomatoes, halved.
- 2 medium cucumbers, quartered.
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced.
- ⅓ cup red onion, chopped.
- Olives:
- ⅓ cup pitted black olives, sliced.
- ⅓ cup pitted green olives, sliced.
- Cheese: 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled.
- Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil.
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice.
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar.
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced.
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning.
- ¼ tsp salt.
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt cooking.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Vegetables: Add tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, onion, and olives to the dressing. Toss well.
- Add Pasta and Cheese: Gently mix in cooked pasta and crumbled feta cheese, ensuring even coating with dressing.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Flavors enhance after a few hours of refrigeration.
- Customizations: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost. Use orzo or gluten-free pasta for variations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes.
- Cook Time: 10 minutes.
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Tossed Salad
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
