This Easy Greek Pasta Salad is colorful and refreshing! With pasta, crunchy veggies, olives, and feta cheese, it’s a delicious dish you can whip up in no time.
If you’re looking for a quick meal that tastes amazing, this salad is the way to go! I love how I can toss everything together and enjoy it as a side or a light lunch. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini works great because it holds the dressing well, but you can swap it with penne or fusilli if you prefer. Gluten-free pasta can also work for those with gluten sensitivities.
Cherry Tomatoes: Choose ripe cherry tomatoes for their sweet flavor. If they’re unavailable, grape tomatoes or regular tomatoes diced into small pieces can substitute nicely.
Cucumber: English cucumbers are perfect since they have fewer seeds. If you want a crunchier texture, you could use bell peppers or zucchini instead.
Kalamata Olives: These add a briny flavor, but any black olives can work too. For a different taste, try green olives or even capers.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a tangy taste. If you’re avoiding dairy, vegan feta or nutritional yeast can be a delicious alternative.
How Do I Ensure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting the pasta just right is crucial for this salad’s texture. Follow these steps for perfectly cooked pasta:
- Fill a pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil.
- Add the pasta and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook according to package directions until it’s al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta, and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
This step helps keep the pasta from becoming mushy and ensures it blends well in the salad!
How to Make Easy Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta (or any spiral pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Greek Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a 30-minute chill time for the flavors to blend together. In total, you’re looking at 45 minutes from start to serve. It’s a quick and satisfying dish perfect for those busy days!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente (firm to the bite), drain it and rinse it under cold water. This will help cool the pasta and stop it from cooking further. Set it aside to use later.
2. Combine the Fresh Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta along with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, and chopped parsley. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
3. Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will be your tasty dressing!
4. Mix It All Together:
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together gently. You want to make sure that all the ingredients are coated with the dressing for maximum flavor.
5. Add Feta Cheese:
Lastly, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top and give the salad one last gentle toss. This adds a delicious creamy texture that complements the other ingredients.
6. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors mingle beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, your Easy Greek Pasta Salad is ready to serve! Enjoy it cold or at room temperature as a delightful meal or side dish!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and a nutty flavor, while gluten-free pasta is a great alternative for those with dietary restrictions. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed, since gluten-free pasta can vary in cooking duration.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Greek pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, you can add a splash of olive oil or vinegar when serving to refresh the flavors!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just remember to stir well before serving, as some ingredients may settle.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to customize your salad! You can add diced bell peppers of any color, shredded carrots, or even artichoke hearts. Just make sure to keep the overall balance of flavors and textures in mind!
