Sunshine on a Plate Easy Delicious Greek Pasta Salad
Sunshine on a Plate: Introduction to the Delicious Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Fancy a taste of the Mediterranean? Ever find yourself dreaming of sun-drenched beaches? Our Delicious Greek Pasta Salad Recipe will transport you there, no passport required! It's proper tasty, full of fresh flavours, and dead easy to make.
Why This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe Easy is a Winner
This Mediterranean pasta salad isn't just any salad. It hails from those lovely Greek flavours we all know and love! It's a super simple recipe, perfect for beginners.
You'll only need about 30 minutes (plus a little chilling time, if you're patient) and it feeds a crowd! This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, perfect for a picnic pasta salad to share with your mates.
Benefit of This Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
Honestly, the best thing about this salad is how healthy it is! Packed with fresh veggies and that gorgeous feta pasta salad , it's a nutritional powerhouse.
It's the perfect dish for a summer BBQ or a light and refreshing lunch. I usually whip this up for garden parties! What makes this recipe special? It's the combination of that tangy dressing and the salty feta.
Proper lush! Speaking of dressing, you can use the base of this Greek salad dressing recipe to make other awesome salads.
Get creative!
Key Ingredients: Let's Talk Bits and Bobs
Right, let's gather our bits and bobs. We will need pasta of course, I find rotini pasta salad works best but penne and fusilli will do the trick.
Get your hands on some juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, red bell peppers and thinly sliced red onion - can be substituted with shallots.
Don’t forget that salty feta, some Kalamata olives, fresh parsley and oregano. I find that these pasta salad with vegetables is the key element to success.
For the dressing, grab some extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice (fresh is best, mind!), garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and pepper.
make-ahead Pasta Salad
You can even make-ahead pasta salad the day before. It tastes even better after the flavours have had a chance to meld together.
Honestly, once you try this cold pasta salad ideas , you'll be making it all summer long. It is a great summer pasta salad recipe .
Get ready for sunshine on a plate!
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Delicious Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Fancy whipping up a Delicious Greek Pasta Salad Recipe ? Right then, let's gather our bits and bobs! This isn't rocket science, promise.
Even if you're a complete beginner, this recipe's got you covered. Let's check what we need for the Summer pasta salad recipe .
Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show
- Pasta: 1 pound (454g) rotini. Honestly, any short pasta will do. Penne, fusilli whatever's lurking in your cupboard!
- Red Bell Pepper: 1 chopped (about 1 cup / 150g). Go for one that looks nice and firm.
- Cucumber: 1 peeled, seeded, and chopped (about 1 cup / 150g).
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 pint (2 cups / 237ml) , halved or quartered. The sweeter, the better.
- Red Onion: 1/2 thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup / 75g).
- Feta Cheese: 4 ounces (113g) , crumbled. Get the proper Greek stuff, if you can. It makes a massive difference to the Feta pasta salad !
- Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup (80g) , pitted and halved.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , chopped.
- Fresh Oregano: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , chopped.
Seasoning Notes: Zest and Zing
This dressing is everything . It's what gives this Mediterranean pasta salad its oomph!
- Essential Spices: Dried oregano is a must! Plus salt and pepper, obviously.
- Flavor Enhancers: Garlic, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice make this the best Greek salad dressing recipe ever .
- Quick Subs: No fresh oregano? Use dried, but half the amount. Easy peasy.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
No need for fancy gadgets here, love.
- Large Pot: For cooking the pasta.
- Colander: To drain the pasta.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing everything together.
- Small Bowl or Jar: For making the dressing.
- Whisk: To mix the dressing (a fork works too, mind).
If you are wanting to make-ahead pasta salad , be sure to properly package and chill to maintain freshness.
This is an excellent picnic pasta salad . I like to make it the night before! It allows the flavours to really meld together.
This Greek pasta salad recipe easy to make and you don't need all the best equipment to make a really awesome meal, you can have your family and friends craving for more every time you whip this out.
You can also play with the ingredients with the available vegetables you have from your local farmers market, it will add a more personal touch and your own style to the salad!
Right, let's dive into the nitty gritty of making the dressing for our Delicious Greek Pasta Salad Recipe . Honestly, the dressing is where the magic happens.
It's what brings all those lovely Mediterranean flavours together. So, pay attention, yeah?
Crafting the Perfect Greek Salad Dressing Recipe
This isn't rocket science, alright? It's more like shaking a jam jar. Here are my fail safe, tried and tested prep steps:
Prep Steps
Essential mise en place: Get your ingredients ready. Measure out your 1/4 cup (60ml) extra virgin olive oil , 3 tablespoons (45ml) red wine vinegar , 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice , 1 clove garlic (minced) , 1 teaspoon dried oregano , and 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard .
Salt and pepper at the ready too.
Time saving organization tips: Use a small jar with a lid. It's less washing up than a bowl and whisk, trust me.
Mince that garlic before you start anything else. Nobody likes garlicky fingers for hours.
step-by-step Process
Right then, here's what to do, easy peasy:
- Chuck all your ingredients into the jar.
- Put the lid on tight! Important!
- Shake like you're trying to win the lottery. About 30 seconds , until it's all emulsified and looks creamy.
- Taste it! Absolutely crucial! Needs more lemon? Add a splash. Not salty enough? Sprinkle some in.
- Job's a good'un.
Pro Tips
Expert shortcut: If you don't have a jar, use a small bowl and whisk like a proper chef. Just takes a bit more elbow grease.
Common mistakes to avoid: Don't skimp on the olive oil. It's what gives the dressing its lovely richness. And don't be shy with the seasoning! It makes or breaks it.
A classic blunder is not balancing the acid of the vinegar and lemon with the oil properly.
You can make-ahead this dressing. It lasts in the fridge for about 3 days. Just give it a good shake before using it, because the oil and vinegar will separate.
Honestly, Greek pasta salad recipe easy really does deliver every single time. Picnic pasta salad at the ready!
Recipe Notes for the Delicious Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Right, so you've got the recipe for this amazing Delicious Greek Pasta Salad Recipe . Let's chat about making it your own , yeah? This isn't just instructions, it's a conversation! I reckon it's more than just a Greek pasta salad recipe easy , it is a lifestyle.
Serving It Up Right: Plating and Presentation
Honestly, presentation is half the battle, innit? I like to pile my Mediterranean pasta salad high in a big bowl.
Garnish with extra feta and a sprig of oregano. If you're feeling fancy, arrange it on individual plates with a side of grilled lemon chicken.
For drinks, a chilled glass of crisp white wine does wonders! Thinking of sides? Serve this summer pasta salad recipe with pita bread and hummus for a proper feast.
Storage Sorted: Keeping it Fresh
Right, listen up. This Feta pasta salad keeps brilliantly. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Don't freeze it, yeah? The veggies go all soggy. Reheating isn't really a thing with this; it's best served cold.
In fact, I reckon it tastes even better the next day! It is a make-ahead pasta salad , perfect for a picnic!
Twists and Turns: Variations Galore
Fancy mixing it up a bit? Sorted! For a vegetarian boost, chuck in some chickpeas. Want some meat? grilled chicken or lamb work wonders.
Need gluten-free? Easy peasy, use gluten-free pasta! Using Rotini pasta salad is great, but really any pasta will do! Or, you could just add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty: Goodness in Every Bite
Okay, so I'm no nutritionist, but this salad is packed with goodness! We're talking protein from the feta, antioxidants from the veggies, and healthy fats from the olive oil.
Each serving is roughly 350-400 calories. This Pasta salad with vegetables makes it super nutritious!
So there you have it. All the insider tips to make this Picnic pasta salad your signature dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment, yeah? Cooking should be fun! Get stuck in and enjoy every mouthful of this Cold pasta salad ideas .
You've got this, mate!. The Greek salad dressing recipe is also very easy to make. Go on, give it a go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Delicious Greek Pasta Salad Recipe ahead of time? I'm rubbish at timing things!
Absolutely! In fact, this salad is even better when made ahead of time. The flavors meld together beautifully as it chills in the fridge. Just be aware that the pasta might absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a little extra olive oil or vinegar before serving.
Think of it like a fine wine, it only gets better with time!
I'm not a huge fan of feta. Can I substitute it in this Delicious Greek Pasta Salad Recipe?
While feta is traditionally used in Greek salad, you can certainly experiment with substitutions! Goat cheese offers a similar tang, though with a creamier texture. Alternatively, you could use mozzarella balls for a milder, more Italian inspired twist. At the end of the day, the choice is yours, get creative!
How long will this Sunshine on a Plate: Easy & Delicious Greek Pasta Salad last in the fridge? I don't want to give myself a dodgy tummy!
This pasta salad will keep well in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, stored in an airtight container. After that, the vegetables might start to get a bit soggy. As always, use your common sense, if it smells or looks off, best to chuck it in the bin, wouldn't want you to end up singing soprano!
I'm trying to watch my weight; is this Delicious Greek Pasta Salad Recipe a healthy option?
This salad can be a healthy option, as it's packed with vegetables and uses olive oil. However, it’s worth being mindful of portion sizes, as pasta and cheese can be calorie dense. Consider using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of feta, and adding more vegetables for extra fiber and nutrients.
As they say, a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips.
I want to add some protein, what goes well with this Delicious Greek Pasta Salad Recipe?
Adding protein is a brilliant idea! Grilled chicken or shrimp would pair perfectly with the Mediterranean flavors of this salad. For a vegetarian option, chickpeas or white beans are excellent choices. They'll add a bit of substance and make it a more filling meal - fit for a king, or queen!
My dressing seems a bit bland. What can I do to jazz up the dressing for this Delicious Greek Pasta Salad Recipe?
A bland dressing is a culinary tragedy, but easily fixed! Add a little more lemon juice for some extra zest, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A teaspoon of honey can also balance the acidity and add a touch of sweetness.
Give it a taste and adjust until it sings to your taste buds like a night at the Royal Albert Hall!
Sunshine On A Plate Easy Delicious Greek Pasta S
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
