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- 8 oz (225 g) fusilli pasta - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/2 cup Greek yogurt - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil The heart of this creamy feta pasta salad lies in its essential ingredients. Fusilli pasta twists hold the creamy dressing well. I love using crumbled feta cheese for its rich taste. Greek yogurt adds a nice tang. Extra virgin olive oil brings a smooth finish. - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped Fresh produce makes this dish pop! Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Diced cucumber gives a nice crunch. Finely chopped red onion adds a zesty bite. Together, they create a bright and fresh flavor. - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings bring all the flavors together. Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish. Dried oregano adds a warm, earthy note. Garlic powder gives a hint of savory depth. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. These small touches make a big difference! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps to create this delicious salad. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step is key. The salt helps to flavor the pasta as it cooks. Once the water boils, add the fusilli pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and helps cool it down. Set the cooled pasta aside for later. Next, let’s make the creamy dressing. In a medium bowl, add the crumbled feta cheese and Greek yogurt. Use a fork to mash these together until smooth. Then, pour in the extra virgin olive oil and the fresh lemon juice. Add the dried oregano and garlic powder too. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper! Mix everything well. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. This creamy dressing is what makes the salad shine. Now it’s time to combine everything. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled fusilli pasta. Then, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. Mix these gently so the pasta and veggies blend well. Next, drizzle the creamy feta dressing over the pasta mixture. Use a spatula to toss it all together. Make sure every piece is coated with the dressing. Finally, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy your creamy feta pasta salad! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. - Importance of chilling: Chilling your salad is key. It helps flavors blend. After mixing, cover the bowl and place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This wait makes a big difference. - Adjusting flavors with seasoning: Taste your dressing as you mix. You can add a pinch more salt or lemon juice. These small tweaks can really elevate the dish. - Using high-quality ingredients: Choose fresh pasta and good feta cheese. Quality can change the taste. A rich, creamy feta makes the salad special. - Serving suggestions: Serve the pasta salad in a big bowl for sharing. Or, portion it into smaller bowls for a nice touch. - Garnishing with fresh basil: Fresh basil leaves make a great garnish. They add color and a lovely aroma. Just sprinkle them on top before serving. - Serving in different dishware: Use a colorful plate or a glass bowl. These choices can make your dish pop and look more inviting. - How long it lasts in the fridge: The salad stays fresh for about 3 days when kept in the fridge. Just make sure it’s sealed well. - Reheating tips and reminders: You can enjoy this salad cold or at room temperature. If you heat it, don’t microwave for too long. This keeps the texture nice. {{image_4}} You can boost the protein in your creamy feta pasta salad easily. - Adding grilled chicken: Cook some chicken breast on the grill. Slice it up and toss it in the salad for a hearty meal. The smoky flavor pairs well with the creamy dressing. - Incorporating shrimp or salmon: If you like seafood, shrimp or salmon works great. Cook shrimp until pink and mix it in. For salmon, bake or grill it and flake it into the salad. Both options add a tasty twist. Even if you want to keep it vegetarian, there are fun swaps to try. - Substituting feta with another cheese: If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both will give your salad a creamy texture and rich taste. - Adding more veggies like bell peppers: Load up on colorful veggies! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even spinach can add crunch and freshness. This makes your salad more vibrant and healthy. Changing up the dressing can really change the dish. - Using lemon vinaigrette: If you want a lighter option, mix olive oil, lemon juice, and a hint of honey. This will give a zesty kick to the salad. - Experimenting with pesto: Pesto is another great choice. It adds a fresh, herbal flavor. Just mix it in with your pasta and veggies for a new taste. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Feta Pasta Salad instructions above! To keep your creamy feta pasta salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps out moisture and other odors. Make sure to cover it tightly. Your salad will stay good for about three to five days. You can freeze this salad, but be aware it may change texture. If you freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. When you want to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Avoid refreezing to keep the best taste. Check for signs of spoilage before enjoying your salad. Look for any unusual smells or changes in color. If the salad feels slimy or has visible mold, it’s time to toss it. Typically, the salad lasts three to five days in the fridge. Always use your best judgment. To make this salad, start by cooking fusilli pasta until it is al dente. Drain and cool it under cold water. In a bowl, mix crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mash these ingredients until creamy. Next, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the pasta and toss gently. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to mix well. You can find the detailed steps in the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. I recommend using bowtie or penne pasta for a fun twist. These shapes hold the dressing well and add texture. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose. Absolutely! To make this salad vegan, replace feta with a vegan cheese option. You can also use dairy-free yogurt instead of Greek yogurt. For an extra flavor boost, add some nutritional yeast. This will give a cheesy taste without dairy. Using fresh herbs can also enhance the flavor, keeping it vibrant and fresh. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover the salad tightly to keep it fresh. If the salad becomes too dry, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to toss it out. This blog post covered how to make a Creamy Feta Pasta Salad. We looked at essential ingredients like fusilli pasta, feta, and fresh veggies. Detailed instructions guided you through cooking pasta and preparing a creamy dressing. I shared tips for enhancing flavor and presentation. Variations allow for protein additions or different dressings. Lastly, I provided storage advice to keep your salad fresh. Enjoy making this easy, tasty dish for any gathering or meal!

Creamy Feta Pasta Salad

Discover the ultimate Creamy Feta Pasta Salad recipe that's perfect for summer picnics or a quick dinner! This refreshing dish combines fusilli pasta, crumbled feta, Greek yogurt, and vibrant veggies like cherry tomatoes and cucumber. With a zesty dressing and an easy preparation time, you'll have a delicious meal ready in just 45 minutes.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) fusilli pasta

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Allow it to cool, then set aside.

    Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Using a fork, mash the ingredients together until a creamy dressing forms. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary to suit your preference.

      Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled fusilli pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion, mixing gently to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.

        Mix in the Dressing: Drizzle the creamy feta dressing over the pasta mixture and use a spatula or large spoon to gently toss, ensuring that every ingredient is well coated with the dressing.

          Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

            Serve: Before serving, give the salad a thorough stir to redistribute the dressing. Garnish generously with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finish.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a large bowl or individual plates. For an extra touch, add a few whole cherry tomatoes and whole basil leaves on top as a garnish. Enjoy!