Sunshine on a Plate the Easiest Greek Pasta Salad
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Sunshine on a Plate: look into into The Easiest Greek Pasta Salad
Fancy a bit of sunshine on your plate? Ever craved a Greek Pasta Salad that's quick, easy, and packed with flavour? This recipe for The Easiest Greek Pasta Salad is your ticket.
It is bursting with fresh, Mediterranean flavours. We are talking about tangy feta, juicy tomatoes, and a zingy lemon dressing.
Honestly, this recipe is easier than ordering pizza, and way healthier!
Why This Greek Salad Pasta Rocks
Greek Pasta Salad , originated from Greece, is a staple at potlucks and summer gatherings. It is all about celebrating fresh ingredients.
Our version takes that classic charm and streamlines it. It makes it accessible for busy weeknights. You only need around 25 minutes, plus a little chill time.
This recipe yields about 6 servings. It is perfect for sharing, or for meal prepping lunches for the week.
Feel Good Food: The Benefits
This Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipe isn't just tasty; it's good for you too. Packed with antioxidants from the veggies and healthy fats from the olive oil.
It is a nutritional win. Think of this salad as a Mediterranean hug in a bowl. This Feta Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics, BBQs, or even a quick Easy Weeknight Dinners .
Let's Gather Our Bits for this Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Right, let’s get this show on the road. You will need Rotini Pasta , or any short pasta, really. Olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.
Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, Kalamata olives, red onion, and of course, feta! Grab your pots, bowls, and let’s get cracking! Are you ready to create this Quick Greek Pasta Recipe ?
Top Tip: Pasta Perfection
Don't overcook the pasta! Al dente is the name of the game. Perfectly cooked pasta will make all the difference. It is crucial, trust me.
Ingredients & Equipment for Greek Pasta Perfection
So, you want to make The Easiest Greek Pasta Salad ? Awesome! Let's break down what you need. Don't worry, it's super straightforward.
Honestly, this is one of my go-to Easy Weeknight Dinners because it's so simple. I always have people asking for this Greek Salad Pasta recipe.
It is always a success!
Main Ingredients: Greek Pasta Salad
- 1 pound (450g) Rotini Pasta . Look for a good quality pasta that holds its shape well when cooked al dente.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) extra virgin olive oil. Quality matters here! A good olive oil makes all the difference.
- 1/4 cup (60ml) red wine vinegar.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice. About one lemon. Please avoid the stuff in the bottle!
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Salt and pepper to taste, I love pepper!
- 1 cup (225g) cherry tomatoes, halved.
- 1 cup (115g) cucumber, diced.
- 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved.
- 1/2 cup (50g) red onion, thinly sliced.
- 4 ounces (115g) feta cheese, crumbled. Find a block of Feta in brine. It tastes best!
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped.
Seasoning Notes: Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe
Oregano is the backbone! But that touch of garlic powder and Dijon mustard? Chefs kiss! It just rounds out the Quick Greek Pasta Recipe perfectly.
Seriously, I've tried it without, and it's just not the same. If you don't have red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar works in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Your Summer Pasta Salad Arsenal
- A big pot. For boiling the pasta, obviously!
- Colander. To drain that pasta like a pro.
- A large mixing bowl. To hold all the deliciousness.
- Whisk. Get that dressing emulsified!
- Measuring cups and spoons. Because precision matters, kind of!
- Knife and cutting board. Chop, chop, chop!
That's all there is to it. Now, go forth and create some magic! You can adapt it to a Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipe .
This Feta Pasta Salad is so easy! I promise, you'll be enjoying a taste of the Mediterranean in no time.
Sunshine on a Plate: The Easiest Greek Pasta Salad
This Greek Pasta Salad is summer in a bowl. Honestly, it’s sunshine on a plate, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a light lunch.
Think juicy tomatoes, salty olives, and creamy feta, all tossed with pasta in a zesty dressing. It’s Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe made easy.
Ready in minutes, this Summer Pasta Salad is way better than takeout. Let's dive in!
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission
First, get your ingredients ready. Chop your veggies tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Measure out your olive oil, vinegar, and spices.
Crumb the feta. This mise en place is key for speed. Trust me, you will thank yourself. For safety, wash your veggies properly.
This part of the Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipe is so easy!
step-by-step to Salad Perfection
- Cook the pasta: Boil 450g Rotini Pasta until al dente . Nobody likes mushy pasta, right?
- Whisk the dressing: Combine 120ml olive oil , 60ml red wine vinegar , 30ml lemon juice , 1 tablespoon oregano , 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard , ½ teaspoon garlic powder , salt, and pepper.
- Veggie Power: Add 225g halved cherry tomatoes , 115g diced cucumber , 75g halved Kalamata olives , and 50g sliced red onion to the dressing.
- Pasta Time: Toss the cooked pasta with the dressing and veggies. Coat everything well.
- Feta Finale: Gently fold in 115g crumbled feta . Don't overmix, you want chunks of feta.
- Chill Out: Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes . This lets the flavors meld.
Pro Tips for the Win
Don't overcook your pasta. Al dente is the way to go! Use quality olive oil; it makes a difference. For a twist, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
This is a Quick Greek Pasta Recipe for the books. Avoid soggy pasta, drain it well and rinse with cold water.
This will improve your Greek Salad Pasta significantly. This Feta Pasta Salad is going to be your new favourite. Enjoy those Easy Weeknight Dinners !
Recipe Notes for The Easiest Greek Pasta Salad
Listen up, my friend! We are about to dive into some seriously useful tips for making The Easiest Greek Pasta Salad ever.
I've made this Pasta Salad so many times, I could probably do it in my sleep. Let's make sure you get it perfect, too! Think of it as a Quick Greek Pasta Recipe to keep in your back pocket.
Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, even for Easy Weeknight Dinners . For this Greek Pasta Salad , I like to mound it high in a pretty bowl.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is always a nice touch. If you are feeling fancy, you can artfully arrange a few extra feta crumbles on top.
It makes all the difference, you know? For serving suggestions, try it with grilled chicken or a refreshing glass of lemonade.
Trust me; the Mediterranean Pasta Salad Recipe vibes perfectly with a crisp drink on a sunny day.
Keeping It Fresh: Storage Tips
So, you've made a big batch of this Summer Pasta Salad . Now what? Honestly, it's best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers are awesome too.
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for up to 3 days, easy peasy. I wouldn't recommend freezing it, though.
The pasta can get a bit mushy when it thaws. No one wants mushy pasta. Reheating isn't really a thing.
This Greek Salad Pasta is meant to be eaten cold.
Remixing the Classics: Variations
Want to shake things up? I got you. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free Rotini Pasta . It tastes just as good, I promise.
If you're not a fan of feta (gasp!), you can try goat cheese instead. Another option, add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
For a seasonal twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes in the summer. This is a very good Vegetarian Pasta Salad Recipe as well.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, let's talk nutrition. This Feta Pasta Salad has some good stuff in it. Tomatoes and cucumbers bring vitamins and fiber to the party.
Olive oil is packed with healthy fats. Feta cheese adds calcium. The calories are around 450 per serving. It is a balanced meal, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Of course, this is approximate, but still delicious.
Seriously, have fun with this Greek Pasta Salad . It's so simple to make and tastes amazing. This recipe for The Easiest Greek Pasta Salad is now yours to conquer. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make The Easiest Greek Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, this salad is even better after it's had some time to chill in the fridge. The flavors meld together beautifully. Just give it a good toss before serving, and you might want to add a splash of olive oil if it seems a little dry after sitting.
What's the best way to store leftover Greek Pasta Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep well for up to 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you might want to add a little extra lemon juice or olive oil to brighten it up before serving.
I'm not a fan of Kalamata olives. Can I substitute them in this Greek Pasta Salad recipe?
Of course! Kalamata olives have a distinctive flavour, so if they're not your cup of tea, feel free to use another type of olive. Black olives are a good substitute, or you could even try green olives for a milder flavour. You could also omit them altogether if you prefer!
It's your salad, so customize it to your liking be the Mary Berry of your own kitchen!
Can I add protein to The Easiest Greek Pasta Salad to make it a more complete meal?
Definitely! Adding protein is a great way to bulk up this salad. Grilled chicken or shrimp are classic choices that complement the Mediterranean flavours perfectly. You could also add chickpeas or white beans for a vegetarian option. Just toss them in with the other ingredients before chilling.
Is there a secret ingredient to elevate this Easiest Greek Pasta Salad to the next level?
While the recipe is pretty spot-on as is, a little touch of fresh mint or dill can really brighten the flavours and give it a gourmet feel - a little like what Nigella Lawson might do!. Finely chop a tablespoon or two of either herb and mix it in just before serving. It's a simple addition that makes a big difference.
You could also use a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
What kind of pasta works best for The Easiest Greek Pasta Salad?
Rotini pasta is a popular choice because its spirals hold the dressing and ingredients nicely. However, any short pasta shape will work well. Penne, farfalle (bow-tie), or even small shells are all good options.
Just make sure you cook the pasta al dente so it doesn't get mushy in the salad nobody wants a soggy bottom!
Sunshine On A Plate The Easiest Greek Pasta Sala
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 45g |