Description
A refreshing and vibrant Greek Pasta Salad featuring cooked pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty oregano and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare cherry tomatoes: While the pasta cools, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Dice cucumber: Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- Slice red onion: Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the other vegetables.
- Add Kalamata olives: Slice the Kalamata olives and toss them into the bowl with the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Incorporate feta cheese: Crumble the feta cheese and add it to the bowl, scattering it evenly over the vegetables and olives.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Toss dressing and vegetables: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients.
- Add pasta to salad: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and carefully mix until all the ingredients are fully combined.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as needed for flavor balance.
- Chill the salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate and meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for a deliciously refreshing Mediterranean dish.
Notes
- You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta if desired.
- For extra freshness, add chopped fresh parsley or mint.
- Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water to cool it before mixing to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost if not keeping vegetarian.
