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- 8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper, diced - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper, to taste - Substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar - Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach This salad bursts with color and flavor. The main ingredients bring freshness. Each bite is full of crunch and zest. The pasta holds the dressing well, creating a tasty mix. The dressing is simple but packs a punch. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness. Red wine vinegar gives a tangy taste. Dried oregano adds a hint of earthiness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Want to mix it up? Try adding apple cider vinegar instead of red wine vinegar. You can also throw in extra veggies like spinach. This salad is flexible and lets your creativity shine. For the full recipe, check out the Zesty Greek Pasta Salad with Feta & Olives. To start, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta. Cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Set the drained pasta aside for later. While your pasta cooks, wash and chop your vegetables. Use 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1 cucumber, 1/2 red onion, and 1 bell pepper. Dice these into bite-sized pieces. Also, chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley. Once chopped, place all the vegetables into a large mixing bowl. This creates a colorful and fresh base for your salad. Now it’s time to mix things! Add the cooled pasta and 1 cup of Kalamata olives to the bowl of vegetables. This combination adds a nice salty flavor. In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing. Mix together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently fold in 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. This step is key for great flavor in every bite. Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together. You can serve your pasta salad cold or at room temperature. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Serve your Greek pasta salad in a vibrant bowl for visual appeal. A colorful dish draws people in. You can also use individual plates for a fresh look. Garnish each serving with extra feta and parsley. This adds a pop of color and flavor. Let your salad chill longer in the fridge. This helps the flavors blend and deepen. If you love herbs, try adding basil or dill. Fresh herbs boost the taste and aroma. Prep your ingredients in advance. Chop vegetables and cook the pasta ahead of time. This makes assembly quick and easy. When storing leftovers, use an airtight container. It keeps the salad fresh and tasty for days. For the best flavor, consume within three to five days. {{image_4}} There are many fun ways to switch up your Easy Greek Pasta Salad. Try a Mediterranean twist for a new taste. Here are some ideas: - Add sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet, tangy flavor. - Toss in artichoke hearts for extra texture. - For protein, add grilled chicken or chickpeas. Both options make it filling. If you need to change the recipe for your diet, here are some tips: - Use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free. - For a vegan option, skip the feta cheese or try a vegan substitute. Enjoy seasonal ingredients by mixing in fresh veggies: - In summer, add zucchini for a crunchy touch. - Use roasted vegetables for deeper flavors. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness. These variations keep your Easy Greek Pasta Salad fresh and exciting! Check out the [Full Recipe] for the base you can customize. To keep your Easy Greek Pasta Salad fresh, place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days. This salad tastes best when you enjoy it fresh. I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing can change its texture, making it less enjoyable. If you prepare a large batch, store the dressing separately. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh. This pasta salad is best served cold. However, you can also enjoy it at room temperature. Before serving, gently toss the salad. This helps mix the flavors evenly throughout. For the full recipe, check back to the beginning. Yes, it can be prepared a day in advance for flavor enhancement. This allows all the tastes to blend and become more rich. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. You can use vegan feta or other cheese alternatives. This makes the dish suitable for various diets. You might want to try a creamy cheese for a nice texture. Yes, it’s perfect for picnics and potlucks if kept properly chilled. The fresh ingredients hold up well. Just pack it in a cooler or insulated bag to keep it fresh. Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or canned chickpeas. These options make the salad more filling. They also add great taste and texture to the mix. This salad combines fresh pasta with vibrant vegetables, feta, and a simple dressing. Using easy steps, you can create a delightful dish that's perfect for any gathering. Remember, you can adjust flavors and ingredients to fit your taste. Meal prep helps save time, and eating fresh is best. Enjoy your colorful pasta salad, whether at a picnic or a family dinner!

Easy Greek Pasta Salad

Dive into the refreshing flavors of Zesty Greek Pasta Salad with Feta & Olives! This easy-to-make dish combines rotini pasta, vibrant vegetables, and creamy feta cheese, tossed in a light dressing for the perfect summer meal or side. With just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll have a colorful and delicious salad ready to impress. Explore the full recipe and elevate your next gathering with this delightful dish! Click to discover how to create it.

Ingredients
  

8 oz (approximately 225g) rotini or fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper (choose red or yellow for sweetness), diced

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (substitute with apple cider vinegar if desired)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set the drained pasta aside.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is boiling, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell pepper, and fresh parsley. Place all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl, ready for integration.

      Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled, cooked pasta and halved Kalamata olives to the bowl filled with the diced vegetables.

        Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until all ingredients are well-emulsified. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning, if necessary.

          Toss the Salad: Drizzle the freshly made dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese, carefully tossing all components together until everything is well-coated with the dressing.

            Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place the salad in the refrigerator to chill for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serve the pasta salad cold or at room temperature for the best taste.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                - Presentation Tips: For an inviting display, serve the salad in a large, vibrant bowl or portion individual servings onto colorful plates. Garnish with additional crumbled feta and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a visually appealing touch. Utilizing eye-catching serving dishes can further enhance the dish’s aesthetic. Enjoy the fresh and zesty vibes!