Ah, Greek pasta salad with feta! It’s like a burst of sunshine in a bowl! I absolutely love making this salad during summer gatherings. The vibrant colors of the cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives mixed with the creamy feta create a feast for the eyes and the taste buds! It’s refreshing, light, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect side dish for barbecues or picnics. Trust me, the moment you toss everything together, the aroma of the olive oil and oregano wafts through the kitchen, and you just know it’s going to be a hit. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, which means more time to enjoy the sunshine and less time in the kitchen. You can’t go wrong with this one – it’s always one of the first dishes to disappear at any gathering!
Ingredients for Greek Pasta Salad with Feta
Gathering the right ingredients for this Greek pasta salad with feta is the first step to creating a refreshing masterpiece! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 ounces pasta (I love using rotini or penne for that perfect bite!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (the sweeter, the better!)
- 1 cucumber, diced (for that cool crunch)
- 1/2 red onion, diced (adds a lovely zing)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (they bring that Mediterranean flair)
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled (the star of the show!)
- 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for flavor)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (a splash of tanginess)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for that aromatic touch)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season well!)
Make sure everything is fresh and ready to go! Trust me, the quality of your ingredients will really shine through in this salad.
How to Prepare Greek Pasta Salad with Feta
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delicious Greek pasta salad with feta! It’s super simple and totally worth it. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a refreshing dish ready to impress!
Step 1: Cooking the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add in your 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente—usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and taste a piece to make sure it’s not overcooked! Once it’s done, drain the pasta and let it cool completely. This is crucial because no one wants a warm pasta salad!
Step 2: Mixing the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. I like to gently fold everything together to keep the feta nice and fluffy. It’s a colorful medley that’s just begging for a drizzle of dressing!
Step 3: Making the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. I usually start with a pinch of salt and taste as I go—balancing the flavors is key! The dressing should be tangy and flavorful, enhancing all those fresh ingredients.
Step 4: Combining and Chilling
Pour the dressing over your pasta salad and give it another gentle toss to coat everything evenly. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully, making every bite even more delicious!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Greek pasta salad with feta turns out absolutely fabulous, here are a few of my go-to tips! First off, always use high-quality ingredients; fresh vegetables and creamy feta can elevate the whole dish. If you want to add a little crunch, consider tossing in some bell peppers or a handful of spinach. Trust me, it adds a nice texture!
Another great tip is to let the salad chill longer if you can. A couple of hours (or even overnight) allows the flavors to mingle and deepen, making each bite even more delicious. And don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving—everyone’s palate is different! Lastly, if you’re making this for a gathering, double the recipe. It always disappears faster than you think!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a quick note—nutrition information can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in your Greek pasta salad with feta. While I do my best to provide accurate details, it’s important to remember that the actual nutritional content may differ. Always feel free to adjust ingredients according to your personal preferences and dietary needs. Enjoy your delicious creation without any worries!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Pasta Salad with Feta
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy days!
- Packed with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients that burst in your mouth.
- Great for potlucks, barbecues, and summer gatherings—everyone loves it!
- Versatile: you can add your favorite veggies or protein for a twist.
- Can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully.
This Greek pasta salad with feta truly checks all the boxes for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about making the perfect Greek pasta salad with feta? I’ve got you covered with some common queries!
How do I store leftovers? If you happen to have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), just store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
Can I substitute any ingredients? Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Kalamata olives, feel free to swap them for black olives or even artichoke hearts for a different twist. And if you want to make it heartier, adding grilled chicken or chickpeas works wonders!
Is it okay to make this salad in advance? Yes! In fact, I recommend making it a day ahead if you can. The flavors get even better as they mingle overnight in the fridge. Just remember to give it a taste before serving and adjust any seasoning if needed.
What can I serve with this salad? This Greek pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats, like chicken or lamb, or you can serve it alongside some crusty bread and a side of tzatziki for a complete Mediterranean feast!
Feel free to ask any other questions you might have! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Serving Suggestions
To make your meal with Greek pasta salad with feta even more delightful, consider pairing it with some scrumptious options! It goes incredibly well with grilled meats—think juicy chicken skewers or tender lamb chops. The charred flavors of the grill complement the fresh, vibrant notes of the salad beautifully!
If you’re looking for something lighter, serve it alongside some herb-crusted fish or a simple grilled vegetable platter. And of course, don’t forget a side of warm, crusty bread or pita to soak up all that delicious dressing! For a complete Mediterranean experience, a dollop of tzatziki or a few slices of hummus would be the cherry on top. No matter what you choose, this salad is sure to elevate your meal and impress your guests!
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Greek Pasta Salad with Feta: 5 Flavorful Tips to Wow Guests
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing Greek pasta salad with feta cheese, perfect for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- This salad can be made a day in advance for better flavor.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: greek pasta salad with feta