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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
