When the sun is shining, and the warm breeze fills the air, nothing beats the refreshing taste of a Greek pasta salad. Bursting with vibrant colors and Mediterranean flavors, this delightful dish is a crowd-pleaser at summer cookouts and a perfect side dish for any occasion. The combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy Kalamata olives, and zesty red onions creates a harmony of tastes that will leave you craving more. In this blog post, we present an easy-to-follow Greek pasta salad recipe, complete with homemade dressing, that is sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the culinary journey of creating the best Greek pasta salad!
Creating the Greek Pasta Salad Base
To start crafting your tantalizing Greek pasta salad, you’ll need the following fresh ingredients: 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, English cucumbers, Kalamata olives, black olives, and a crisp red onion. Cook the pasta to perfection, ensuring it remains al dente. This step is crucial to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the salad.
While the pasta cools, prepare the other elements of the salad. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the English cucumbers into bite-sized pieces, and halve the Kalamata and black olives. The red onion adds a touch of boldness to the salad; slice it thinly for a balanced flavor in each bite.
The Homemade Greek Dressing
Now, let’s unlock the secret to an extraordinary Greek pasta salad: the homemade dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil, the juice of a fresh lemon, and a teaspoon of garlic powder. Embrace the essence of traditional Greek flavors by sprinkling in a teaspoon of dried oregano, along with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
This tangy and aromatic red wine vinaigrette will elevate your salad to a whole new level. It beautifully complements the fresh ingredients, creating a harmony of tastes that will transport your taste buds to the shores of the Mediterranean.
Bringing It All Together
It’s time to assemble your Greek pasta salad masterpiece. Combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced English cucumbers, Kalamata olives, black olives, and sliced red onions in a large mixing bowl. Now, gently toss the ingredients to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Drizzle the prepared Greek dressing over the salad and toss once more, coating every morsel with the tangy vinaigrette. The dressing will infuse the pasta and vegetables with a burst of Mediterranean goodness.
A Touch of Feta and Fresh Herbs
No Greek pasta salad is complete without a generous sprinkling of feta cheese. Crumble a block of feta over the salad, and if you’re feeling creative, add a handful of fresh parsley and red peppers for an extra pop of color and taste.
Savoring the Fresh and Delicious Greek Pasta Salad
Your delightful Greek pasta salad is now ready to serve! It’s a go-to salad that complements my best ever grilled chicken, making it a complete and satisfying meal. This salad is a true crowd-pleaser, and its flavors only intensify when left to meld in the refrigerator. Store any leftovers for a delightful treat the next day.
Conclusion
Embrace the spirit of the Mediterranean with this easy and delicious Greek pasta salad recipe. Perfect for summer cookouts, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish, this salad is sure to impress. With its homemade Greek dressing and vibrant ingredients, it’s a flavor explosion you won’t want to miss. Be prepared for the compliments to pour in as your friends and family indulge in this fresh and flavorful Greek pasta salad. Enjoy this go-to salad at any gathering and elevate your culinary prowess to the next level.
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recipe for the best greek pasta salad with feta
- Author: Vinessa Rae
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Whip up a delightful Greek Orzo Pasta Salad with this easy-to-follow recipe. Tender orzo pasta, paired with refreshing diced Persian cucumbers, halved grape tomatoes, sliced red onions, chickpeas, and flavorful Kalamata olives, create a vibrant and satisfying medley of textures and tastes. Elevate this culinary masterpiece with a tangy Greek yogurt dressing, infused with zesty garlic, fresh lemon juice, dill, and red wine vinegar. Perfect for any occasion, this wholesome salad is a crowd-pleaser and a go-to dish for picnics, potlucks, or light and healthy meals. Enjoy a burst of Mediterranean flavors that will leave your taste buds craving more. Try our Greek Orzo Pasta Salad today!
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/2 lb orzo pasta
- 2 Persian cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked orzo pasta, diced cucumbers, halved grape tomatoes, sliced red onion, chickpeas, and Kalamata olives.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the plain Greek yogurt, grated garlic, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, white wine vinegar, and fresh dill. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the orzo pasta salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Once the salad is well coated with the dressing, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss to ensure the dressing is well distributed. You can garnish with additional fresh dill, if desired.
- Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful Greek Orzo Pasta Salad as a satisfying side dish or a light and healthy main meal. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any summer gathering!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: pasta
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Keywords: greek pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer pasta salad, whats for dinner, simple pasta salad, mediterranean pasta salad