Traditional Greek Pasta Salad

Name: Traditional Greek Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz rotini pasta; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

🕒 Prep: 15 min

🔥 Cook: 10 min

🍽 Serves: 4

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This Traditional Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying dish that's perfect for any season. It's packed with Mediterranean flavors and is super easy to whip up, making it a go-to for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients for Traditional Greek Pasta Salad

Rotini pasta is ideal because its twists hold onto the dressing, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet and juicy pop, contrasting nicely with the brininess of the Kalamata olives. Cucumber provides a refreshing crunch, while red onion gives a subtle sharpness. Feta cheese brings a creamy, tangy element that ties everything together. The extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing is simple yet robust, with oregano adding a classic Greek touch. Finally, a touch of salt and pepper enhances all these flavors.

Tips & Tricks

Rinse the pasta under cold water immediately after draining to prevent it from sticking together.
For a more intense flavor, marinate the red onions in the dressing for 10 minutes before adding to the salad.
Use quality olive oil for the best flavor. A good olive oil can make a huge difference in the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad is versatile and can be served alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It's also delightful with a side of crusty bread to soak up any extra dressing. For a vegetarian option, pair it with a bowl of hearty lentil soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?: Absolutely! In fact, it's even better when made a few hours or a day in advance, as the flavors deepen over time.
What if I don't have red wine vinegar?: You can substitute it with white wine vinegar or even apple cider vinegar in a pinch.
Is there a gluten-free option for this salad?: Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Traditional Greek Pasta Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by cooking 8 oz of rotini pasta according to the package instructions. You'll want it al dente, so it holds up well in the salad. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water. This step stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down, perfect for a salad.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1/2 thinly sliced red onion, 1/2 cup of pitted and sliced Kalamata olives, and 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. The key here is to mix gently, so you don't smush the tomatoes or crumble the feta too much.

Next, whip up the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and some salt and pepper to taste. This simple dressing brings everything together with a nice tangy kick.

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated. Then, pop the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare — ready in under 30 minutes.
Loaded with fresh, colorful veggies and tangy feta cheese.
Perfect for meal prep — flavors develop even more when made ahead.
Great for potlucks and picnics, as it doesn't need to be served hot.

Ingredients

8 oz rotini pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.

2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.

4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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