There’s something about a warm summer evening that just calls for a refreshing dish like Greek pasta with feta. I remember one sunny day at a family gathering, where the air was filled with laughter and the tantalizing aroma of fresh ingredients. This delightful pasta salad was the star of the show! It’s simple to whip up, yet bursting with vibrant flavors from the juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and creamy feta that truly embody the spirit of Greek cuisine. With just a handful of fresh ingredients, you can create a meal that’s not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or casual dinner at home, this dish is the perfect addition to any spread. Trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll keep everyone coming back for more!
Ingredients
You’ll want to gather these fresh ingredients to make the most delightful Greek pasta with feta. Here’s what you need:
- 8 oz pasta (any shape you fancy!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (these little gems add a burst of sweetness)
- 1 cup cucumber, diced (for that refreshing crunch)
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (the star of the dish—so creamy and tangy)
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced (for a briny kick—use your favorite variety!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin is the best for flavor)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (adds a lovely tang)
- 1 tsp oregano (a classic herb in Greek cuisine)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t forget to season!)
Feel free to get creative and add any other veggies you love—bell peppers or red onion work wonderfully too!
How to Prepare Greek Pasta with Feta
Alright, let’s dive into making this scrumptious Greek pasta with feta! It’s super easy and quick, making it perfect for any occasion. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delightful dish ready in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, you’ll want to bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in your 8 oz of pasta. Depending on the type you choose, follow the package instructions—most pasta takes about 8-12 minutes to cook. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it! When it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial to keep your pasta from getting mushy!
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, let’s chop those veggies! Grab your cherry tomatoes and slice them in half; their sweetness is going to shine in this dish. Next, take your cucumber and dice it into nice, bite-sized pieces. For the olives, simply slice them up—easy peasy! Pro tip: If you line up the cucumbers and slice them all at once, you’ll save time and effort!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved tomatoes, diced cucumber, crumbled feta, and sliced olives. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together—you want it well combined but not mushy, so be a bit careful!
Step 4: Make the Dressing
Now, let’s whip up the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar, 1 tsp of oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is where the magic happens—it ties all the flavors together!
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Pour that lovely dressing over your pasta salad and toss everything together until it’s all coated. You can serve it right away, but I love letting it chill for a bit in the fridge—it allows those flavors to meld beautifully! Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side with grilled meats or pita. Trust me, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Greek pasta with feta is honestly one of my go-to dishes for so many reasons! Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it just like I have:
- Quick Preparation: From start to finish, you can whip this up in just 25 minutes! Perfect for those busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Fresh Ingredients: With vibrant veggies and creamy feta, every bite is bursting with flavor and goodness. It’s like a taste of summer on your plate!
- Versatile for Meal Prep: You can make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch throughout the week. It keeps well in the fridge, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead option!
- Great for Gatherings: This dish is a crowd-pleaser! Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or potluck, everyone will love digging into this refreshing pasta salad.
Honestly, it’s a dish that brings smiles and satisfaction, and I can’t wait for you to try it!
Tips for Success
To ensure your Greek pasta with feta turns out absolutely perfect every time, I’ve got some handy tips that I’ve learned through my own kitchen adventures!
- Preventing Sticky Pasta: When cooking your pasta, don’t forget to add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water! This not only enhances the flavor but also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together. And once you drain it, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly.
- Adjusting the Dressing: If you find your salad a bit too dry after tossing everything together, don’t panic! Just drizzle in a little extra olive oil or a splash of red wine vinegar to bring it back to life. It’s all about that perfect balance of flavors!
- Chill for Flavor: If you can, let your pasta salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an even tastier dish!
- Experiment with Veggies: Feel free to switch up the vegetables in this dish! Bell peppers, red onions, or even a handful of arugula can add a delightful twist. Just remember to keep them fresh and colorful!
- Feta Storage: If you have leftover feta cheese, store it in a sealed container with a little olive oil to keep it fresh and creamy for your next culinary creation.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious and satisfying Greek pasta with feta that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional values for one serving of this delightful Greek pasta with feta. Keep in mind these are based on standard ingredients and can vary a bit depending on what you use!
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 15mg
This pasta salad is not only tasty but also offers a good balance of nutrients, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. Enjoy every delicious bite guilt-free!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some questions about making this Greek pasta with feta, so let’s tackle a few common ones!
Can I substitute feta cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or ricotta can work as tasty alternatives. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change a bit, but it’ll still be delicious!
What type of pasta works best?
Honestly, you can use any pasta you like! I often go for rotini or penne because they hold onto the dressing and veggies beautifully. But feel free to get creative with your favorite shapes!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again, and if it seems a little dry, drizzle in some extra olive oil or vinegar to bring it back to life!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This salad actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just make sure to store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve!
What other veggies can I add?
Get creative! Bell peppers, red onions, or even some spinach can add a lovely crunch and flavor. Just make sure they’re fresh and colorful to keep that vibrant look!
If you have any more questions, feel free to reach out! I love sharing tips and tricks to make this dish even more enjoyable for you!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious Greek pasta with feta, let’s talk about how to elevate your meal even more! This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and main courses.
- Grilled Meats: Serve your pasta salad alongside some juicy grilled chicken, lamb, or shrimp. The smoky flavors really complement the freshness of the salad!
- Pita Bread: Warm up some pita bread and serve it on the side. It’s perfect for scooping up the pasta salad or enjoying with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of za’atar.
- Greek Salad: For a classic touch, pair it with a traditional Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and of course, more feta! It makes for a beautifully colorful and satisfying meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted veggies, like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant, for a hearty addition. Their sweetness and caramelization will pair beautifully with the bright flavors of the pasta.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves: For a true taste of Greece, serve this pasta salad with some dolmas (stuffed grape leaves). They’re a great finger food and add a lovely Mediterranean flair!
These serving suggestions will not only enhance your dining experience but make your meal feel even more complete and festive. Enjoy every bite!
For more information on the health benefits of Mediterranean diets, check out this Healthline article.
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Greek Pasta with Feta: 5 Simple Steps to Delight!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious Greek pasta dish with feta cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, feta, and olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use any pasta of your choice.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or red onion.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Boiling and mixing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: greek pasta, feta cheese, pasta salad, greek cuisine
