Description
A refreshing and vibrant Greek Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all coated in a zesty homemade oregano and garlic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light side dish or a picnic favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the red bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Add all these vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine pasta with vegetables: Once the pasta is cooled, transfer it to the large bowl with the vegetables. Add the crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and well combined.
- Toss everything together: Pour the dressing over the pasta, vegetables, and feta. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- For extra protein, consider stirring in grilled chicken pieces or adding chickpeas to the salad.
- Using fresh oregano instead of dried can add a more vibrant flavor to the dressing.
- Rinsing the pasta under cold water is essential to stop the cooking process and keep the salad cool.
