Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad Overview

When I think summertime, I think Greek Pasta Salad. There’s something intoxicating about the vibrant combination of fresh veggies, tangy feta, and pasta tossed in a zesty Greek dressing. It’s refreshing, hearty, and darn right addictive, peeps! It’s a perfect dish for potluck dinners, barbecues, or party sides. But who am I kidding, it’s so yummy, you’ll find an excuse to whip it up anytime!

This pasta salad is an easy-peasy recipe that’s ready in a jiffy but impresses like a charm. And guess what, it gets even better with time, making it a superb make-ahead dish. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll be grooving to the Greek vibe!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 6 cups

Without further ado, let’s dive right in. Get your toque blanche on, and let���s get cooking this Greek Pasta Salad!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 9 oz short pasta
• 1 sliced bell pepper
• 1 diced cucumber
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
• 1/2 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup diced red onions
• Salt, pepper, and olive oil for dressing

You’re also going to be needing a pot for cooking the pasta and a large bowl for mixing everything together. The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity and the combination of the tangy feta cheese and zesty olives. But hey, don’t fret if you don���t have all the ingredients���the beauty of salads is in their flexibility. Bell peppers can be replaced with any crunchy veggies, and haloumi or ricotta can take the place of feta.

How To Make Greek Pasta Salad

1. Cook the pasta as per the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. While the pasta is cooking, chop your veggies and dice the feta cheese.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced bell peppers, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, diced onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
4. Drizzle over some olive oil, add a generous pinch of salt and pepper, and give it a good mix.
5. Let it sit for a bit to let the flavors mingle. You can serve it immediately, although I would recommend chilling it for a bit for the most flavorful punch!

Tips For The Best Results

• Always cook your pasta al dente. It should still have a slight bite for the best texture in your salad.
• Don’t rush it. Giving it some time to sit will have all the flavors singing the perfect Greek serenade.

Storage Tips

• I recommend storing this pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep for about 3-5 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

A: Absolutely, this Greek Pasta salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavours get a chance to intensify.

Q: What’s the best pasta to use?

A: You can use any short pasta���penne, fusilli, farfalle, macaroni, etc. They all work great in this recipe.

Q: What can I use instead of feta cheese?

A: If you can’t find feta, ricotta or haloumi make good substitutes.

Q: Can I add protein to this pasta salad?

A: Yes, grilled chicken or shrimp would be delicious additions to this salad.

Q: Is Greek Pasta Salad served warm or cold?

A: This pasta salad can be served either warm or cooled. However, I prefer it chilled���a perfect companion for hot summer days!

Nutritional Facts of Greek Pasta Salad

Calories: 150 kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 150mg | Potassium: 110mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 30% | Vitamin C: 20% | Calcium: 30% | Iron: 1%

So there you go, foodies! This Greek Pasta Salad will rock your world, I promise! It’s simple, vibrant, and uses readily available ingredients���perfect for a quick lunch or a party side. Pair it up with some grilled chicken or baked salmon for a wholesome, delightful meal. Go on, give it a twirl and get your Greek on!