Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish, perfect for warm weather or as a flavorful side. It combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. A simple salad that’s quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

The image shows a close-up of a pasta salad in a clear glass bowl placed on a white marbled surface. The salad has several layers: the base is made of light yellow twisted pasta, mixed thoroughly with chunks of white feta cheese with a crumbly texture. Interspersed throughout the salad are bright green cucumber slices cut into half-moons, dark purple olives, small red cherry tomato halves, thin slices of purple onion, and pieces of red bell pepper, all mixed evenly. The colors are bright and fresh, creating a vibrant and appetizing look. A woman's hand is seen holding the bowl, and the background features a blue and white striped fabric. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces gemeli or rotini pasta
  • 1 English cucumber, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 6 ounces feta cheese, cubed
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  2. Step 2: Add the cucumber, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese to the pasta. Gently toss to combine.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and cracked pepper until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly.
  5. Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
  • Add chopped fresh parsley or mint for an herby touch.
  • Swap kalamata olives for green olives if preferred.
  • For a protein boost, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad suitable for gluten sensitivities.

Storage

Store the Greek pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop more after chilling, but the pasta may absorb some dressing and soften over time. Stir gently before serving. This salad is best served cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up view of a colorful pasta salad with several layers and textures. The base layer is twisted pasta in pale yellow. On top, there are thick, fresh green cucumber slices with a textured surface, along with small cubes of white cheese. Thin, curly strips of deep purple-red onion are scattered across the salad, adding sharp accents. Bright red chunks of tomato provide pops of color in between all the layers. The salad looks lightly coated with a creamy dressing that gives a slightly glossy look to the ingredients. The background shows a white marbled texture, adding a clean and fresh feel to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours or overnight. Just keep it refrigerated and toss before serving.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Gemeli or rotini work well, but farfalle, penne, or fusilli are great alternatives that hold the dressing nicely.

Print
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Greek Pasta Salad Recipe


  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A refreshing and vibrant Greek Pasta Salad featuring gemeli or rotini pasta mixed with crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy lemon and red wine vinegar dressing infused with garlic and oregano. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic, or side dish.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 16 ounces gemeli or rotini pasta

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 1 English cucumber (sliced)
  • 1 red bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
  • ½ cup pitted kalamata olives
  • 6 ounces feta cheese (cubed)

Dressing

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 lemon (juiced)
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gemeli or rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and transfer to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare Salad Ingredients: Add the sliced English cucumber, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, pitted kalamata olives, and cubed feta cheese to the bowl with the pasta. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, freshly squeezed lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and cracked pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
  4. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss thoroughly but gently to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful dressing.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

Notes

  • For best results, use gemeli or rotini pasta as their shape holds the dressing and ingredients well.
  • Make sure to not overcook the pasta; al dente texture provides the best bite and absorbs the dressing nicely.
  • Can be prepared a day ahead; the flavors improve after resting overnight.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Add fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for extra freshness.
  • Adjust garlic and lemon juice quantities to taste based on your preference for more tang or pungency.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Greek

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, gemeli pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, feta cheese salad, Mediterranean salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, vegetarian pasta salad

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