My Big Fat Greek Pasta Salad Opa
Recipe Introduction
Craving Sunshine?
Ever feel like you need a taste of summer? I do, like, every other Tuesday! That's when I whip up this Amazing Greek Pasta Salad .
Honestly, it's like sunshine on a plate. So zesty, so fresh, and totally addictive. The bright lemon and herbs really pop!
Mediterranean Magic Made Easy
This Greek Salad With Pasta is inspired by the sun-kissed shores of Greece. Think Mykonos vibes, but in your kitchen.
It's super easy to make. Prep takes about 20 mins, cooking’s 10 mins, and chilling is 30 mins. This Best Greek Pasta Salad Recipe makes about 6 servings.
Health Boost and Happy Vibes
This Vegetarian Greek Pasta Salad is packed with goodness. Tomatoes are full of vitamins. Cucumbers are super hydrating. Plus, it is perfect for a BBQ, a picnic, or just a regular Tuesday night.
What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of fresh flavours.
Let's Get Cooking
Ready to taste the best Easy Greek Pasta Salad Recipe ? Trust me, you'll want to make this Summer Pasta Salad all season long. Next, let's gather those ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Greek Party Started!
So, you wanna make my Big Fat Greek Pasta Salad ? Awesome! It's easier than ouzo shots at a wedding, I promise.
This Best Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is all about fresh, vibrant flavors. It’s seriously going to be the Easy Greek Pasta Salad Recipe you keep coming back to.
Here's what you'll need, no fancy chef skills required.
Main Ingredients: The Mediterranean Dream Team
- Pasta: 1 pound (454g) rotini. Why rotini? Because it grabs that yummy dressing like a champ! But, honestly, penne or fusilli work too. Just cook it al dente . Nobody likes mushy pasta in their Pasta Greek Salad .
- Veggies: 1 pint (473ml) cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 English cucumber (diced), 1 red onion (thinly sliced). Get the freshest you can find. Quality counts!
- Olives: 1/2 cup (75g) Kalamata olives. These are the real deal. Salty, briny, and oh-so-Greek.
- Cheese: 6 ounces (170g) feta cheese. Crumbled, of course. Look for the good stuff, not that dry, crumbly stuff.
- Dressing: 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice (please, use fresh!), 2 tablespoons (30ml) red wine vinegar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon (15ml) dried oregano, 1 teaspoon (5ml) dried basil, 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) salt, 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper.
Seasoning Notes: Greek Flavor Bombs
Oregano and basil are the classic Greek combo. Don't skimp! A little extra garlic never hurt anyone, either. I sometimes throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes if I'm feeling spicy.
If you don’t have red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar will do in a pinch. This Cold Greek Pasta Salad is best served well seasoned.
This Greek Salad With Pasta is a total crowd pleaser
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- A big pot for boiling the pasta.
- A colander to drain it.
- A large bowl for tossing everything together.
- A whisk for the dressing. Honestly, a fork works too.
That's it! No need for any fancy gadgets. See? This Summer Pasta Salad recipe is totally doable. Now go forth and create some Amazing Greek Pasta Salad .
You won't regret it! And it can also be a Vegetarian Greek Pasta Salad !
I was making this one time, and totally forgot the red onion. I subbed in some shallots I had kicking around, and it was honestly, just as good.
Don't be afraid to experiment!
Alright, let’s whip up some Amazing Greek Pasta Salad ! Honestly, this isn't just any salad. It's a taste of sunshine, guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser.
I’ve had so many requests for this recipe; I figured it was time to share.
Getting Ready for Your Best Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
This part is all about the mise en place . We need everything ready. Chop your veggies first. This makes the whole process smoother.
Cherry tomatoes halved, cucumber diced. Red onion? Thinly sliced, my friend. For safety, use a stable cutting board. A sharp knife is safer than a dull one!
From Zero to "Opa!": step-by-step
- First, boil your pasta . Get a large pot with salted water boiling. Then add 1 pound of pasta. Cook until al dente . Nobody likes mushy pasta! Usually around 8- 10 minutes .
- Next, while the pasta cooks, chop 1 pint of cherry tomatoes. Dice 1 English cucumber . Slice 1 red onion . Half 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives. Dice 1 green bell pepper .
- Whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, and 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar. Add 2 minced garlic cloves , and season with 1 tablespoon oregano, 1 teaspoon basil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and bell pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the Pasta Greek Salad . Toss gently. Make sure everything is coated.
- Crumble 6 ounces of feta over the salad.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes ! This helps the flavors meld.
- Serve your Cold Greek Pasta Salad and enjoy.
Pro Tips for Greek Salad With Pasta
My secret? Marinate the feta in a bit of the dressing before adding it. Also, avoid over dressing. Less is more! Also don't add the feta too early, it can become soggy if left for too long.
If you want to prepare ahead for this Summer Pasta Salad , mix everything but the feta and tomatoes. Add those just before serving.
A common mistake is overcooking the pasta.
This Easy Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is delicious. Enjoy your own big fat Greek pasta salad.
Recipe Notes: Let’s Talk Salad, Shall We?
Right then, so you’re about to dive into this Best Greek Pasta Salad Recipe , eh? Brilliant! But before you do, let’s have a little chat, yeah? I've made this Amazing Greek Pasta Salad more times than I can count.
I mean honestly, it's a lifesaver for summer BBQs. Consider these notes my little cheat sheet to salad success!
Plating Like a Pro and Other Bright Ideas
Presentation is key, innit? For a party, pile it high in a big bowl! If you're feeling fancy, serve individual portions in little bowls.
Sprinkling extra feta on top never hurt nobody, just saying. As for sides, this Mediterranean Pasta Salad goes great with grilled chicken or even just some crusty bread.
A glass of chilled white wine or a sparkling lemonade? Chef's kiss.
Storage: Keep It Cool, Bruv
Leftovers are a win ! Pop your Easy Greek Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container and it'll happily chill in the fridge for up to three days.
It's perfect for lunch the next day. Don't freeze it though. The pasta goes a bit wonky. And remember, give it a good toss before serving.
The dressing tends to settle.
Adaptations: Go Wild (But Not Too Wild!)
Want to make it a bit different? Absolutely! For a vegetarian twist, simply make sure you use a vegetarian friendly cheese; otherwise, it's already a Vegetarian Greek Pasta Salad ! If you’re avoiding gluten, use gluten-free pasta.
In the winter you might want to add roasted red peppers for extra flavor and color! And remember, this Pasta Greek Salad is your canvas.
Go wild!
The Good Stuff: Health Benefits Galore!
Okay, so maybe I’m not a nutritionist or anything, but this salad is packed with good stuff! We’re talking fiber from the veggies, protein from the cheese, and healthy fats from the olive oil.
Plus, all those lovely Mediterranean herbs are antioxidant superstars. It's a delicious way to sneak in some extra goodness. Who knew Greek Salad With Pasta could be so good for you?
So there you have it! With these tips, you’re all set to make the Cold Greek Pasta Salad of your dreams.
Don't be afraid to get creative, have fun, and most importantly, enjoy every single bite. Now go on, get your apron on and start cooking! The "Best Greek Pasta Salad Recipe" is waiting!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Amazing Greek Pasta Salad ahead of time? Will it get soggy?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors meld together beautifully if you let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. To prevent sogginess, don't add the feta cheese until just before serving, or after chilling. The pasta will soak up the dressing over time, but a quick toss before serving usually fixes that!
What kind of pasta is best for this Amazing Greek Pasta Salad recipe?
Rotini is a great choice because its twists and turns catch all that delicious dressing and the little bits of veggies. However, feel free to use any short pasta shape you like penne, fusilli, or even farfalle (bowtie pasta) would work well.
Just make sure to cook it al dente, like a proper Italian nonna would say nobody likes mushy pasta!
I don't have Kalamata olives. Can I substitute them in this Greek Pasta Salad?
Kalamata olives definitely bring that authentic Greek flavor, but if you're in a pinch, you can substitute them with another type of olive, such as black olives or Castelvetrano olives. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will be slightly different.
If you're not an olive fan, you can simply omit them altogether but they do add a certain je ne sais quoi to the dish!
How long will this Greek Pasta Salad last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, this salad will last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb the dressing as it sits, so you might want to add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to freshen it up before serving after a few days.
Just give it a good stir and you're good to go!
Is there a vegan option for this Amazing Greek Pasta Salad?
Yes, absolutely! The easiest way to make this salad vegan is to simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative. There are some great plant based feta options available these days that mimic the flavor and texture pretty well. You can also add some chickpeas for protein if you like!
Can I add protein to this Greek Pasta Salad to make it a complete meal?
Definitely! Adding protein is a great way to make this salad a more substantial meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are all excellent additions. You could even add some grilled halloumi cheese (if you're not going for a vegan option) for an extra dose of Mediterranean flavour.
It's super versatile, so feel free to experiment!
My Big Fat Greek Pasta Salad Opa
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 4g |
