This Easy Greek Pasta Salad is a perfect summer dish! It’s made with colorful veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers, and topped off with tangy feta cheese. Yum!
This salad is super simple to make. I love turning it into a quick lunch or a side for barbecues. Plus, it gets even tastier if you let it chill for a bit. Who’s ready for some fun in the sun? ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This dish uses rotini for its spiral shape, which captures the dressing and flavors beautifully. If you don’t have rotini, any short pasta like penne or fusilli will work just fine!
Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes add freshness. If they aren’t available, you can use diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Cucumber: Crisp cucumbers give a nice crunch. For a twist, try using mini cucumbers or even bell pepper for added sweetness.
Kalamata Olives: They bring a distinct flavor. If olives aren’t for you, feel free to swap them with green olives or simply omit them.
Feta Cheese: Feta provides a tangy creaminess. You can substitute with goat cheese or a dairy-free feta if needed. Crumbled cheese is key to keeping that Greek vibe!
How Do You Make the Perfect Dressing for Your Pasta Salad?
The dressing makes or breaks a pasta salad! It’s super easy to whip up a delicious one that enhances all the flavors. Here’s how:
- Start by whisking together the olive oil and red wine vinegar for a rich base.
- Add minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This combo gives a fresh and zesty taste.
- Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the dressing even more!
- Pour it over the salad and give it a good toss to coat everything evenly.
Letting the salad sit after adding the dressing allows the pasta and veggies to soak up all that flavor. Enjoy!
Easy Greek Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any short pasta)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Greek Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings and picnics!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Drain well and set it aside.
2. Combine the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, and chopped parsley. Make sure to mix it gently so everything is evenly distributed and the veggies remain intact.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well-combined.
4. Combine Dressing with Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated with dressing. This is the moment where all those lovely flavors come together!
5. Fold in the Feta:
Now it’s time to add the crumbled feta cheese. Gently fold it into the salad so it stays fluffy and doesn’t break down too much. Feta adds a delicious creaminess to the salad!
6. Adjust and Chill:
Take a moment to taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Once just right, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling it allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After the salad has chilled, give it a toss before serving. Serve it cold for a refreshing and tasty summer dish. Enjoy your delightful Greek pasta salad with friends and family!
FAQ for Easy Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Regular Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds a bit more fiber and nutrients to your salad. Just keep in mind that it may have a slightly different texture, so adjust cooking time as needed to avoid overcooking.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Greek Pasta Salad?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as some of the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Yes, feel free to customize! Bell peppers, zucchini, artichokes, or even roasted vegetables can be great additions. The key is to keep the vegetable sizes similar for even distribution and texture.
Is It Possible to Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Definitely! This salad actually tastes better when it sits for a while, allowing the flavors to meld. Just make sure to keep it covered in the fridge and give it a quick toss before serving!
