Easy Greek Pasta Salad a Sunshinefilled Bowl
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Fancy a trip to Greece without leaving your kitchen? I know I do! Are you craving something fresh and easy? This Easy Greek Pasta Salad is the answer! It bursts with sunny Mediterranean flavours.
Honestly, it's like sunshine in a bowl.
A Little Taste of Greece
The Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is a modern twist. It uses classic Greek ingredients like feta and olives. Pasta salads are a potluck staple.
This one takes about 30 minutes. It will feed about six people.
Why You'll Absolutely Love This Salad
This salad is a powerhouse. It's full of nutrients and so easy to make. It's vegetarian pasta salad recipe , and packed with healthy fats and loads of vitamins.
Perfect for summer barbecues or quick lunch. This Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Feta is special because it’s so adaptable.
Let's Talk Ingredients
Ready to get started? You'll need pasta, fresh veggies, feta, and olives. Don't forget the Greek Pasta Salad Dressing ! Good olive oil and lemon juice are key.
Next, let's dive into the ingredients to see how we can make this magic happen.
Right, let's dive into the nitty gritty of what you'll need to make this killer Easy Greek Pasta Salad . Honestly, it’s more about fresh ingredients than fancy techniques.
You know?, simple stuff that even I can’t mess up too badly. This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is so flexible; you can adapt it as needed.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted
Main Ingredients: Quality Matters
Pasta: 1 pound (450g) rotini. But hey, any short pasta works. Penne? Fusilli? Go wild!
Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup (140g) , halved. Get ripe ones; that sweetness is key.
Cucumber: 1 medium , peeled, seeded, and diced (about 1 cup / 150g ). English cucumbers are great.
Red Onion: ½ medium , thinly sliced (about ½ cup / 75g ). Soak in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite.
Green Bell Pepper: 1 medium , seeded and diced (about 1 cup / 150g ). Adds a nice crunch.
Kalamata Olives: ½ cup (75g) , pitted and halved. Use the good ones; the flavour is worth it.
Feta Cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , crumbled. Proper Greek feta, in brine. The pre-crumbled stuff? Not the same.
I remember once using cheap feta. Total disaster! It tasted like rubber. Never again.
Seasoning Notes: Greek Flavours Exploding
Olive Oil: ¼ cup (60ml) . Extra virgin, obviously.
Lemon Juice: ¼ cup (60ml) . Freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff is a crime against lemons.
Red Wine Vinegar: 2 tablespoons .
Dried Oregano: 1 tablespoon .
Dried Basil: 1 teaspoon .
Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon .
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Start with ¼ teaspoon each.
This Greek Pasta Salad Dressing is seriously addictive.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
Colander: For draining the pasta.
Large Mixing Bowl: A big one. You need room to toss.
Whisk: For the dressing. A fork works in a pinch.
Measuring Cups and Spoons.
Cutting Board and Knife.
Honestly, this Pasta Salad With Vegetables And Feta is so straightforward; you don't need any fancy gear. This recipe should be part of your Summer Pasta Salad Recipes .
You'll find this Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Feta is one of the most delicious Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes out there! And if you are looking for Quick Pasta Salad Ideas this Cold Pasta Salad Recipes has got you covered.
This Easy Feta Pasta Dinner can be whipped up in no time at all.
Right, with the ingredients sorted, let’s get cooking!
Cooking Method: Greek Pasta Salad Sunshine in a Bowl!
Okay, right then! Let's talk about making this Easy Greek Pasta Salad . Honestly, it's so simple, it's almost embarrassing. But the taste? Oh my gosh! It's like a holiday in your mouth.
Perfect for those summer pasta salad recipes, you know?
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First things first, get everything ready. This is the mise en place bit basically, chef speak for "get your act together".
Chop your cherry tomatoes , dice the cucumber , thinly slice that red onion and green bell pepper . Halve those lovely Kalamata olives .
Crumble your feta . This Pasta Salad With Vegetables And Feta is all about the freshness, so take your time here.
For time saving organization tips, do this while your water boils. Safety reminder: watch your fingers when chopping!
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step to Greek Goodness
- Get a big pot of salted water boiling like the Dead Sea. Chuck in your 450g rotini pasta . Cook it until it's al dente – around 10- 12 minutes .
- Drain that pasta like your life depends on it! Rinse with cold water. We don't want sticky pasta, do we?
- Whisk together 60ml olive oil , 60ml lemon juice , 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar , 1 tablespoon dried oregano , 1 teaspoon dried basil , 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder , and salt and pepper to taste. That's your Greek Pasta Salad Dressing sorted.
- In a huge bowl, mix that pasta with all those lovely chopped veggies and 115g feta .
- Drizzle that dressing all over and gently toss. Make sure every bit gets some love.
Pro Tips: Secrets from My Kitchen (Well, Hypothetically!)
Want this Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Feta to be amazing ? Taste the dressing and adjust. More lemon for zing? Go for it.
Also, chilling this Cold Pasta Salad Recipes for at least 30 minutes is crucial. This is an Easy Feta Pasta Dinner option.
The flavours meld, and it's just better, trust me. One time, I didn't chill it properly, and honestly, it wasn't the same!
One thing you will avoid is overcooking the pasta. It's a Quick Pasta Salad Ideas option and the difference in taste is noticeable!
Finally, have fun experimenting with this Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes ! This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is so quick and is the perfect side dish!
Recipe Notes for the Best Ever Easy Greek Pasta Salad
Right then, let's talk about making this Easy Greek Pasta Salad absolutely smashing . Honestly, it’s already pretty foolproof, but a few little tweaks can take it from "nice" to "OMG, where did you get this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe ?!" This Summer Pasta Salad Recipes is such a wonderful and refreshing Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipes .
Serving Suggestions: Turning Heads with Your Salad
Want to make your Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Feta look as good as it tastes? Easy peasy. For plating, think rustic chic.
I like to mound it high in a big bowl, then crumble extra feta on top for a snowy effect.
You know? A sprig of fresh dill or parsley also adds a pop of colour. Presentation, sorted.
As for sides, this Feta Pasta Salad goes brilliantly with grilled chicken or fish. Or, fancy a light lunch? Grab some crusty bread for mopping up that delicious Greek Pasta Salad Dressing .
Beverage wise, a chilled glass of white wine think Sauvignon Blanc is a winner. If you're not drinking alcohol a sparkling lemonade is perfect!.
This Pasta Salad With Vegetables And Feta is so easy to love.
Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh as a Daisy
This Cold Pasta Salad Recipes is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are totally do-able. Pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .
Just be aware that the pasta might soak up some of the dressing, so it could be a tad drier.
Freezing? Hmmm, I wouldn't recommend it. The cucumber and tomatoes tend to get a bit soggy when thawed. Reheating isn’t really a thing either it’s best served cold or at room temperature.
This is one of the best Quick Pasta Salad Ideas !
Variations: Putting Your Own Spin On It
Fancy a Easy Feta Pasta Dinner that's a bit different? You got it. For a dietary adaptation, swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free version.
Boom, gluten-free Easy Greek Pasta Salad sorted. Vegans can substitute the feta with marinated tofu or a vegan feta alternative.
It works a treat.
Seasonal swaps? In autumn, try adding roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes. The sweetness complements the salty feta beautifully. Honestly, this Pasta Salad With Vegetables And Feta is so adaptable.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, let's keep it simple. This Easy Greek Pasta Salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from all those lovely veggies.
Feta provides calcium, and the olive oil is a source of healthy fats. One serving clocks in at roughly 350-400 calories, with about 12g of protein, 20g of fat, and 40g of carbs.
Remember, this is just an estimate. This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is a healthy choice.
So there you have it a few extra notes to help you nail this Easy Greek Pasta Salad . Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
Now, go on, get cooking! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Easy Greek Pasta Salad ahead of time? Will it get soggy?
Absolutely! In fact, this salad is often even better the next day as the flavours meld together. To prevent it from getting soggy, dress it right before serving if possible. If you're preparing it a day in advance, consider adding the dressing to only part of the salad and then adding more to taste before serving.
What kind of pasta is best for Easy Greek Pasta Salad?
Rotini is a classic choice because its spirals hold the dressing and ingredients well. However, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle (bow tie) pasta would work beautifully too. Just be sure not to overcook the pasta al dente is the key to a great pasta salad texture, preventing it from becoming mushy like something you'd find at a school disco buffet.
I'm not a fan of feta cheese. Can I substitute it in this Easy Greek Pasta Salad?
No worries, you can definitely swap it out! Goat cheese would add a similar tangy flavor, or you could use fresh mozzarella balls for a milder taste. For a vegan option, try marinated tofu or a vegan feta alternative which are becoming increasingly available in supermarkets even your local Tesco might stock them!
How long does Easy Greek Pasta Salad last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your Easy Greek Pasta Salad will stay fresh for about 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving. Just keep in mind that the vegetables might soften slightly over time, but the flavour should still be fantastic!
Is Easy Greek Pasta Salad healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
This salad can be a part of a balanced diet! It contains healthy fats from olive oil and feta, fiber from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the pasta. To make it even healthier, you could use whole wheat pasta, add some grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein, and go easy on the feta to reduce the sodium content.
Easy Greek Pasta Salad A Sunshinefilled Bowl
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 375 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |