If you’re looking for a dish that’s as vibrant as it is refreshing, you’ve got to try my Greek pasta salad recipe! This delightful salad brings together the bright, zesty flavors of the Mediterranean, making it a perfect side dish or a light main course. Imagine the burst of juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny Kalamata olives all mingling with the creamy feta cheese. It’s like a mini-vacation on your plate! I love serving this salad during summer barbecues or picnics, and trust me, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. You won’t want to miss this one!
Ingredients for Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
To create the perfect Greek pasta salad, you’ll need these fresh, vibrant ingredients:
- 8 ounces of penne pasta – cook it until al dente for that lovely bite.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved – their sweetness adds a burst of flavor!
- 1 cucumber, diced – for a refreshing crunch that brightens every bite.
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped – it brings a bit of sharpness to the mix.
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved – these add that signature Mediterranean brininess.
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled – creamy and salty, it’s the star of the show!
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil – a drizzle of quality oil makes all the difference.
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar – for that tangy kick that pulls everything together.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – this herb is a must for that authentic Greek flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t forget to season well!
How to Prepare Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Getting this Greek pasta salad ready is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth the little time you invest. First things first, let’s cook that pasta! You’ll want to follow the package instructions carefully to achieve that perfect al dente texture. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is key to keeping your pasta from getting mushy later on!
Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add in the 8 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes, tasting a piece around the 8-minute mark to check for doneness. Once it’s just right, drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down and prevent sticking.
Combining the Ingredients
Now, let’s get to the fun part! In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. Make sure to chop everything into bite-sized pieces, so every forkful is a delightful mix of flavors. Then, gently fold in the cooled pasta, being careful not to break the feta too much—it’s part of the charm!
Making the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. I love using a whisk for this as it helps emulsify the dressing and blend those flavors beautifully. Taste it and adjust if needed—balance is everything!
Assembling the Salad
Pour that gorgeous dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, creating a refreshing dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean goodness!
Tips for Success with Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
To ensure your Greek pasta salad shines, focus on ingredient quality—fresh, ripe tomatoes and high-quality feta make all the difference! Don’t be afraid to mix in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein if you’re feeling adventurous. Try adding different veggies like bell peppers or artichokes to keep it interesting. And a little fresh parsley or basil on top not only looks beautiful but adds a burst of flavor, too! When serving, I like to pair it with a chilled glass of white wine—it’s the perfect summer meal that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
This Greek pasta salad recipe serves about 4 people, and here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 5g, Unsaturated Fat: 15g)
- Protein: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g (Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 3g)
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on ingredient brands and specific measurements used.
FAQ Section
Got questions about my Greek pasta salad recipe? No worries, I’ve got you covered! This salad is super versatile and can be tailored to your taste. If you’re wondering about storage or ingredient swaps, I’ve got some great tips for you below. Let’s dive in!
Can I make this Greek pasta salad recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad keeps well in the fridge, so you can prepare it a day in advance. Just give it a little stir before serving to refresh the flavors.
What variations can I try in this recipe?
Feel free to mix it up! You can add grilled chicken for protein, swap in roasted red peppers, or toss in some artichoke hearts for added flavor. The possibilities are endless!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days—just give it a good stir before enjoying again!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
This Greek pasta salad is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Quick preparation—ready in under an hour!
- Fresh, vibrant ingredients that sing with flavor.
- Versatile—perfect as a side dish, light lunch, or picnic staple.
- Great for make-ahead meals; it tastes even better after chilling.
- Customizable with your favorite add-ins or substitutions.
For more information on the health benefits of Mediterranean diets, check out this Healthline article.
To learn more about the nutritional value of olives, visit this study.
Print
Greek Pasta Salad Recipe: 8 Flavorful Steps to Delight!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Greek pasta salad that combines traditional Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces of penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
- Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- For added protein, include grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- Use a variety of olives for more complex flavor.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: greek pasta salad recipe
