This Easy Greek Pasta Salad is a colorful mix of noodles, fresh veggies, and tasty feta cheese. It’s quick to whip up and bursting with flavor!
The best part? It’s perfect for lunch or a picnic! If you’re anything like me, you’ll be going back for seconds because it’s just that good! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This twisty pasta holds onto the dressing and ingredients well. If you don’t have rotini, you can use penne, farfalle, or even whole grain pasta for a healthier option.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color. If they’re out of season, try using canned diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a more concentrated flavor.
Cucumber: Great for crunch! For a twist, you could use zucchini or even bell pepper for extra color and taste.
Kalamata Olives: They deliver a briny flavor. If you can’t find them, green olives or black olives work as substitutes, just adjust the salt level since they vary in saltiness.
Feta Cheese: This cheese gives a tangy bite. If you’re dairy-free, try crumbled tofu or a vegan feta alternative for a similar texture.
How Do I Perfectly Prepare the Pasta for My Salad?
Cooking pasta correctly is key to a great salad! Overcooked pasta can turn mushy, so keep these tips in mind:
- Cook rotini in salted boiling water until al dente, usually about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions suggest.
- After cooking, drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps cool it down.
- Spread it out on a baking sheet to cool completely. This prevents it from sticking together.
By following these steps, your pasta will be just right for mixing with the fresh veggies and dressing!
How to Make Easy Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Salad Ingredients:
- 8 ounces rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Greek Pasta Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 30 minutes of chilling time in the refrigerator. So, in total, you’re looking at about 45 minutes before you can dig in. Perfect for a quick side dish or a light meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add the rotini pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until it’s nice and tender. When it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This prevents the pasta from getting sticky.
2. Prepare the Veggies:
While your pasta is cooking, grab a large mixing bowl. Add in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, Kalamata olives, and chopped parsley. Mix them together gently.
3. Combine Pasta and Veggies:
Once your pasta has cooled and is ready, add it to the bowl filled with vegetables. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything without crushing the veggies.
4. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing brings all those Mediterranean flavors together!
5. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over your pasta salad and toss it gently to make sure everything is well coated. You want every bite to be flavorful!
6. Add the Feta:
Lastly, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad. Stir lightly again so the feta mixes in a bit but still stays chunky.
7. Chill Before Serving:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to blend beautifully.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
When you’re ready to serve, take out your chilled Greek pasta salad. It’s not just easy to make, but it’s also a delightful dish to enjoy on a warm day. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead of Rotini?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta is a great alternative if you’re looking for a healthier option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as whole wheat pasta may take a bit longer to cook, and remember to rinse it with cold water to cool it down!
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize your Greek pasta salad by adding vegetables like black olives, zucchini, or artichoke hearts! Just make sure they are chopped to a similar size for even distribution and easy eating.
How Long Can I Store This Salad?
Your Easy Greek Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, try to add the feta cheese just before serving if possible, as it can get a bit soggy over time.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can definitely make it ahead of time! Prepare the salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a good stir before serving, as some of the ingredients may settle!
