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Best Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Best Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
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The Best Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is a fresh, vibrant salad packed with tangy Mediterranean flavors. It combines al dente pasta with crisp vegetables, briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or as a colorful side dish, this salad offers a healthy, light, and authentic taste of the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups short pasta (rotini or penne)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Cook 2 cups of short pasta such as rotini or penne in salted boiling water until al dente, meaning tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Fresh Ingredients: While the pasta cooks, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cucumber, thinly slice 1/4 cup of red onion, and pit and halve 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives. These will form the fresh, colorful base of the salad.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This vibrant dressing ties all the flavors together.
  4. Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, olives, and 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh parsley or whole olives as desired.

Notes

  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness.
  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor.
  • Always use fresh-squeezed lemon juice for bright acidity.
  • Let the salad rest in the fridge to allow flavors to harmonize.
  • Adjust seasoning after adding feta, as it can be salty.
  • Variations: add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein.
  • For vegan version, substitute feta with vegan cheese or omit it.
  • Include extra veggies like bell peppers or artichokes for variety.
  • Use fresh herbs like dill, mint, or basil for different flavor profiles.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes or pepperoncini for a spicy kick.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • This salad does not freeze well; serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, rotini salad, summer salad, feta pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, vegan pasta salad option

Find it online: https://elenaglam.com/best-greek-pasta-salad-recipe/