Greek Pasta Salad Recipe: Fresh, Flavorful, and Perfect for Summer

Greek pasta salad is a refreshing dish combining Mediterranean flavors with pasta. It’s simple to prepare and suitable for various occasions, adding both color and taste to your meal. This salad typically involves rotini or penne pasta mixed with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing. The dish is served chilled, making it ideal for warm weather gatherings like summer BBQs or picnics. While traditional ingredients form its base, you can easily customize it to match your preferences.

1. Pasta: Common pasta choices include rotini and penne, providing a sturdy base for the salad.
2. Vegetables: Fresh vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions add crunch and flavor.
3. Olives: Kalamata olives contribute a briny depth, integral to the Mediterranean profile.
4. Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese injects a tangy, creamy element.
5. Dressing: A light dressing, often made from olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar, binds the ingredients together.
6. Herbs: Fresh herbs like oregano or parsley enhance the overall flavor.

These ingredients combine to form a nutritious, flavorful dish you can prepare quickly.

How to Make Greek Pasta Salad

Choosing the Right Pasta

Select a pasta type that holds dressing well, such as rotini or penne. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, then rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Ensure the pasta is fully cooled before mixing it with other ingredients. Use about 8 ounces of pasta for a standard-sized salad.

Preparing the Vegetables and Add-Ins

Chop fresh vegetables, including cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Slice cucumbers thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes, and dice the red onions into small pieces. Add Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese for authentic Greek flavors. Optional add-ins like bell peppers or artichoke hearts can enhance the salad’s texture.

Making the Dressing

Combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Mix well until emulsified. Adjust taste by adding more vinegar or lemon juice if needed. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the pasta and vegetables, ensuring everything is well-coated. Use around 1/3 cup of dressing for optimal flavor.

Complete the assembly by tossing all components together in a large bowl, making sure the dressing distributes evenly. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold and enjoy the refreshing, Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Variations of Greek

Exploring different variations of Greek pasta salad can add excitement to your meals. Try swapping out rotini for orzo or adding grilled chicken for extra protein. Incorporate different veggies like bell peppers or artichoke hearts to keep things interesting.

For a vegan twist, skip the feta and use a dairy-free alternative. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences.

This dish’s versatility ensures you’ll never get bored, making Greek pasta salad a staple in your culinary repertoire.