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Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad is a quick, refreshing, and flavorful dish combining al dente pasta with crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty Mediterranean dressing. Perfect as a light main course or side dish, it delivers vibrant colors and a nutritious blend of fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats, making it ideal for busy days, picnics, or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz rotini or penne pasta

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, slice red onion thinly, and pit or slice Kalamata olives. Keep everything bite-sized for even distribution.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified and fragrant.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta to maintain texture and prevent mushiness.
  • Drain and rinse pasta thoroughly to keep the salad crisp and light.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best dressing flavor.
  • Allow the salad to chill to enhance flavor melding.
  • Adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, lemon) just before serving to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, easy pasta salad, feta cheese salad, healthy pasta recipes