Description
As a passionate home cook, I find joy in creating dishes that not only taste amazing but also bring people together. One of my all-time favorites is Greek Pasta Salad. This vibrant dish is like a sunny day on a plate, bursting with colors and flavors that remind me of warm Mediterranean evenings. I remember the first time I made it for a family gathering. The moment I set it on the table, the aroma of fresh herbs and zesty lemon filled the air, and everyone gathered around, eager to dig in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (short cut) – rotini or penne
- 1/2 English cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup sliced Kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Optional: 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- Optional: 1/4 cup artichoke hearts, chopped
- Optional: 1/2 cup grilled chicken or shrimp
- Optional: 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Chop the vegetables: cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Mix the dressing by combining olive oil, lemon juice, grated garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a jar and shake well.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, parsley, and feta cheese. Drizzle with half of the dressing and mix gently.
- Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Timing is key for cooking pasta to al dente.
- Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Use the freshest ingredients for the best flavor.
- Adjust seasoning in the dressing to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 20mg