Description
Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish packed with Mediterranean flavors, crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or light lunches, this easy-to-make salad is customizable and can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavor.
Ingredients
300 g (10.5 oz) pasta shapes
1 green bell pepper, diced
½ cucumber, diced
½ red onion, thinly sliced
8 cherry tomatoes, halved
55 g (½ cup) mixed olives
60 g (½ cup) feta, crumbled
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 lemon (juice and zest only)
1 pinch sea salt and ground black pepper
2 garlic cloves, crushed
10 g (½ cup) fresh dill, finely chopped
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
Add the 300 g pasta shapes to a pan of lightly salted boiling water. Simmer for 12 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced green bell pepper, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and mixed olives. -
Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the red onion, crushed garlic, fresh dill, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and zest, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined. -
Assemble the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss well to coat all ingredients evenly.
-
Serve:
Just before serving, crumble the feta cheese on top of the salad. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Cheese Substitutes: If you’re not a fan of feta, try using chunks of cheddar, parmesan, or grilled halloumi cheese.
Protein Add-ins: For a heartier salad, add some grilled chicken, shrimp, or a salmon fillet on top.
Creamy Option: Turn this into a creamy pasta salad by swapping the olive oil and vinegar dressing for a creamy dressing like ranch or Caesar.
Pasta Cooking Tips: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente and rinse it in cold water immediately to stop the cooking process.
Red Onion Alternatives: If raw red onion is too strong, sauté it in a little oil or swap it for milder shallots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Side Dish / Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
