Greek Pasta Salad Recipe: A Burst of Mediterranean Sunshine
Summer is here, and what better way to celebrate than with a vibrant and refreshing Greek Pasta Salad? This recipe is not only incredibly delicious but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck contribution. Get ready to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean!
Why This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is the Best
This recipe stands out because of its perfect balance of flavors and textures. We're not just throwing ingredients together; we're building a symphony of tastes. The salty feta, briny olives, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumbers all come together beautifully with the lemon dressing and perfectly cooked pasta.
Plus, it's incredibly versatile. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to your liking! Add some artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or even grilled chicken for extra protein. The possibilities are endless!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 6-8 people. Feel free to scale it up or down based on your needs.
- Pasta: 1 pound rotini pasta (or your favorite shape)
- Vegetables:
- 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- Cheese: 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables by halving the tomatoes, dicing the cucumber, thinly slicing the red onion, and halving the olives.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared vegetables, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for the best taste! Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Greek Pasta Salad:
- Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent additions for a heartier salad.
- Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick.
- Herbs are key: Fresh oregano and parsley add a burst of freshness.
- Make it ahead: This salad is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to substitute other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers or zucchini.
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