Greek pasta salad is a refreshing and colorful dish that combines the best of Mediterranean flavors. Bursting with fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese, this salad is perfect for gatherings, picnics, or as a light meal. With its zesty dressing and hearty pasta, it captures the essence of Greek cuisine. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this salad will become a favorite in your recipe collection!
Ingredients
– 2 cups rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cucumber, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 red onion, sliced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This Greek pasta salad serves 4-6 people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, and no cooking time is required, as the pasta is cooked beforehand.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 1 cup) contains about 350 calories, 12g of protein, 22g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 5g of dietary fiber. This is based on a single serving size.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion.
3. Add the sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
8. Serve cold or at room temperature.
9. Garnish with additional feta and olives before serving, if desired.
10. Enjoy this dish as a side or a light main course!
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily substitute the rotini pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative. Additionally, any fresh vegetables like spinach or arugula can enhance the salad’s flavor.
Serving and Pairings
Greek pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. It also makes a great side dish for barbecues or picnics, complementing Mediterranean-inspired meals perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover Greek pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the vegetables may become mushy.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the pasta can lead to a mushy salad; aim for al dente.
- Not rinsing the pasta can cause it to stick together.
- Forgetting to chill the salad can prevent flavors from developing.
- Using low-quality olives or feta can reduce the overall flavor.
- Skipping the seasoning can make the dish bland.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh, seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
- Feel free to add protein like chickpeas or grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
- Experiment with different dressings to find your favorite flavor combination.
- Make the salad a few hours in advance for optimal taste.
FAQs
Can I make Greek pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Preparing the salad a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
What type of pasta is best for Greek pasta salad?
Rotini or fusilli are ideal because their shapes hold the dressing and ingredients well. However, any pasta shape you prefer will work.
Can I add more vegetables to the salad?
Yes, feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, artichokes, or spinach. It’s a versatile dish!
Is Greek pasta salad gluten-free?
It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free pasta. Always check the labels to ensure compliance with your dietary needs.
Can I freeze Greek pasta salad?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the vegetables and pasta may suffer. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Conclusion
This Greek pasta salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures that is perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients make it not only a feast for the eyes but also a healthy and satisfying dish. Whether served as a side or a main course, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.
Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cucumber diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 yellow bell pepper diced
- 1/2 red onion sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions; drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, and red onion.
- Add the sliced Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
- Garnish with additional feta and olives before serving, if desired.
- Enjoy this dish as a side or a light main course!
Nutrition
