This colorful Easy Greek Pasta Salad mixes together pasta, bright veggies, and tangy feta cheese. It’s a refreshing and tasty dish that’s perfect for any meal or snack!
Honestly, it’s like a mini vacation on your plate! I love throwing in some olives for extra flavor and having it as a beachside picnic treat. Yum! 🍅
You can whip it up in no time, making it a go-to for me. Plus, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge, so it’s great for meal prep! Enjoy it chilled! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This shape is great for holding on to the dressing and flavors. You can replace it with fusilli, farfalle, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just make sure it’s cooked to al dente.
Cherry Tomatoes: I love using cherry tomatoes for their sweetness. If they aren’t available, you can use grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes; just remove some seeds to avoid excess moisture.
Cucumber: For a fresh crunch, any cucumber works well. If you prefer less watery options, use Persian cucumbers or even bell pepper strips instead.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta brings great flavor. For a dairy-free option, try using marinated tofu or vegan feta. Just keep the taste in mind and adjust the dressing accordingly.
Olive Oil: Always high-quality olive oil will enhance flavor. If you prefer, avocado oil or any light oil can work as a substitute, but I recommend staying with olive oil for that authentic taste.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta Salad is Perfectly Chilled and Flavorful?
Chilling the salad is essential for developing those yummy flavors. Here are some tips to make sure your pasta salad hits the spot:
- Don’t skip rinsing your pasta in cold water; this stops the cooking and cools it down fast.
- Mix all the vegetables in a large bowl first. This helps distribute flavors before adding the pasta.
- Let it chill for at least 30 minutes, but an hour or more is even better. Flavors will intensify.
- Before serving, give it another light toss to reintegrate the ingredients.
By following these tips, your pasta salad will taste fresh and vibrant every time!
How to Make Easy Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 30 minutes to chill in the fridge. So in total, you’ll need about 45 minutes. The chilling time is important because it allows all the delicious flavors to blend together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop cooking. Set it aside to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and chopped parsley. Stir everything together so it’s evenly mixed.
3. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the cooled rotini pasta to the bowl with all the veggies. This is where the fun begins as we mix everything together!
4. Whisk the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will become the tasty dressing for your salad. Make sure everything is well combined!
5. Combine the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly so that the pasta and veggies are coated in the dressing. This will help make every bite flavorful.
6. Add the Feta and Chill:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. Give it a light toss just to mix it in a bit. Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together wonderfully!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After chilling, your Greek pasta salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. If you like, garnish with extra feta cheese before serving. It’s perfect for a light meal or a side dish at gatherings!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great substitute and adds extra fiber to your salad. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as whole wheat pasta may take slightly longer to cook. Check for al dente texture before draining.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
To make this Greek pasta salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with vegan feta or tofu crumbles. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it a great meal prep option! Just toss it again before serving to mix everything up.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix them in for extra flavor and nutrition!
