You know those dishes that just transport you to another place? This Greek pasta salad does exactly that—it’s like a mini vacation in a bowl, and oh my, the colors are a feast for the eyes. I stumbled upon this recipe while trying to recreate a meal from a tiny taverna I visited in Santorini, and let me tell you, it takes me right back every time.
Steps
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente, then rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process.
- While the pasta is cooking, clean and dice the cucumbers and bell peppers, halve the grape tomatoes, and chop the red onion.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared vegetables, sliced olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Pour Greek dressing over the mixture, then toss everything together to ensure even coating.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving to enhance the flavors.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces of rotini or another medium pasta
- ¾ of an English cucumber, diced
- 1 pint of grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 red or orange bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup of sliced pitted olives
- ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese
- ? cup of diced red onion
- 1 cup of Greek dressing
Nutritional Values
Calories: 3280 | Carbohydrates: 320g | Protein: 60g | Fat: 190g | Saturated Fat: 30g | Cholesterol: 50mg | Sodium: 1630mg | Potassium: 2360mg | Fiber: 20g | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 7050IU | Vitamin C: 189mg | Calcium: 520mg | Iron: 9mg
FAQ
- How can I make Greek Pasta Salad into a complete meal?
- To turn Greek Pasta Salad into a full meal, you can add grilled chicken. Marinating the chicken in your favorite Greek dressing before grilling can enhance the flavors.
- What is the best way to prepare the red onion for this salad if it’s too sharp?
- If the red onion is too pungent, try soaking it in ice water with a pinch of salt while preparing the other ingredients. Shake the onions in the water for about 10 seconds, drain, and repeat if necessary.
- How long can Greek Pasta Salad be stored in the refrigerator?
- Greek Pasta Salad can be kept in the fridge for up to five days, making it an excellent option for meal prep, school lunches, or as a make-ahead dish for gatherings.
- Can I use store-bought dressing for this recipe?
- Yes, using a store-bought Greek dressing is a quick and tasty option for this recipe. It simplifies preparation while maintaining delicious flavor.
- What are some variations of pasta salads that I might enjoy?
- You might enjoy trying other pasta salad variations such as Italian Pasta Salad, Caesar Pasta Salad, Avocado Pasta Salad, Dill Pickle Pasta Salad, or Summer Pasta Salad.
Tips
- To soften the sharp taste of red onions, soak them in ice water with a pinch of salt for a few seconds while you prepare the other ingredients. This can help mellow their flavor.
- For a healthier version of this pasta salad, consider using whole wheat pasta and a light Greek dressing. It maintains the dish’s flavor while providing added nutritional benefits.
- To ensure your pasta salad absorbs the dressing well and remains flavorful, rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process, then chill the salad for at least two hours before serving.
- If you want to transform this side dish into a complete meal, add some grilled chicken marinated in Greek dressing. This adds protein and makes it more filling.
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl – For combining all the ingredients.
- Chef’s Knife – For chopping vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
- Cutting Board – For preparing and chopping the vegetables.
- Colander or Pasta Strainer – For draining the cooked pasta.
- Whisk – For mixing the dressing if making homemade dressing.
- Salad Tongs or Serving Spoon – For tossing and serving the salad.
