Description
Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. This salad is not just a delightful mix of ingredients but a celebration of fresh produce and bold flavors. The highlight of this dish is its zesty lemon dressing, which infuses each bite with a refreshing tang. Utilizing quality, fresh ingredients is crucial for crafting a Greek Pasta Salad that truly stands out, making it perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a light meal during warm weather.
Ingredients
- 12 ounce pasta, such as rotini or bowtie
- 1 English cucumber, chopped
- 1 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Start by boiling the pasta in salted water according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process and help it cool down quickly. Let it drain well to avoid any excess water diluting your salad.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and chopped parsley. Pour the prepared lemon dressing over the top and toss everything gently to ensure it’s evenly coated. This gentle tossing is important to keep your ingredients fresh and intact, blending all those wonderful flavors.
3. To allow the flavors to meld beautifully, refrigerate your Greek Pasta Salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This salad is incredibly versatile and can be served as a side dish or as a light meal on its own. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or can stand alone as a vegetarian option.
Notes
Substitute the pasta with whole grain or gluten-free options.
Add protein to the salad, like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas, to make it heartier.
For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or replace it with plant-based feta alternatives, enhancing it with avocado or chickpeas.
Feel free to experiment with other vegetables such as bell peppers, artichokes, or spinach for added flavor and nutrients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg