Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: In just about 20 minutes, you can have this salad ready to serve, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute potlucks.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite proteins like grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to make it a more substantial meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after the flavors have melded together, so preparing it in advance is a great option.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 ounces of short pasta such as fusilli, farfalle, or penne
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint, halvedpint, halv
- Cucumber: 1 large, diced
- Bell Pepper: 1 red or yellow, diced
- Red Onion: ¼ cup, finely chopped
- Olives: ½ cup pitted black, green, or kalamata olives
- Feta Cheese: ½ cup, crumbled
- For the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, chopped red onion, and olives to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Add the Pasta and Feta: Add the cooled pasta and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl. Gently toss until all ingredients are well combined and coated with the dressing.
- Serve or Chill: The salad can be served immediately, but for best results, cover and refrigerate it for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: Around 20 minutes.
- Chilling Time: For optimal flavor, it’s recommended to chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
Variations
- Protein Addition: Incorporate grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the salad more filling.
- Leafy Greens: Mix in some fresh spinach or arugula for added texture and nutrients.
- Alternative Cheeses: While feta is traditional, you can experiment with small mozzarella balls or cubed Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil can enhance the salad’s freshness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the 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 you’ve added proteins that you prefer warm, store them separately and add them to the salad just before serving.
FAQs
What type of pasta works best for Greek pasta salad?
Short pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, penne, or rotini are ideal as they hold the dressing well and are easy to eat.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste. It’s recommended to prepare it at least an hour before serving.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions, and rinse it under cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process.
Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar in the dressing?
Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can be used as alternatives, though they may slightly alter the flavor profile.
Can I use a store-bought dressing?
While homemade dressing offers a fresh taste, a quality store-bought Greek or Italian dressing can be a convenient substitute.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add vegetables like artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or zucchini to enhance the salad’s flavor and texture.
How long will the salad last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the salad will remain fresh for up to 4 days.
Can I freeze Greek pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the vegetables and pasta may become mushy upon thawing.
Pasta salads
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. Featuring pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing, this salad is perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or light summer dinners. Quick to prepare, make-ahead friendly, and easily customizable with proteins like chicken or shrimp, it’s a versatile and delicious option for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 ounces short pasta (fusilli, farfalle, or penne)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 red or yellow bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup pitted olives (black, green, or Kalamata)
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and olives to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss gently to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Add Pasta & Feta:
- Mix in the cooled pasta and crumbled feta cheese.
- Toss until everything is well combined and evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve or Chill:
- Serve immediately, or for the best flavor, refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Leafy Greens: Toss in spinach or arugula for added freshness.
- Cheese Alternatives: Swap feta with mozzarella balls or cubed Parmesan.
- Extra Herbs: Enhance flavor with parsley, basil, or dill.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Side Dish
- Method: Tossing, No-Bake
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
