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To make a tasty Greek pasta salad, gather these key ingredients: - 8 oz rotini or penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a colorful and fresh dish. The pasta acts as a base, while the veggies add crunch and flavor. You can add some optional ingredients to enhance your Greek pasta salad. Consider these: - Bell peppers for sweetness - Artichoke hearts for a briny taste - Capers for a tangy kick - Fresh mint for a cool touch These optional ingredients can make the salad more exciting. They add layers of flavor and texture. While rotini and penne are great, other pasta shapes work well too. Here are a few ideas: - Fusilli holds dressing well. - Farfalle looks pretty and is fun to eat. - Orzo is great for bite-sized pieces. Choose any pasta shape you like. Just make sure it cooks well and pairs nicely with the fresh ingredients. For the full recipe, refer to the Easy Greek Pasta Salad section. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This step helps the pasta absorb flavor. Add 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Al dente means the pasta is firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This also cools the pasta for your salad. While the pasta cooks, you can prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 1/2 finely chopped red onion. Also, include 1/2 cup of pitted and halved Kalamata olives. These ingredients add fresh flavors and textures to your salad. Make sure they are chopped evenly for a balanced taste in every bite. Next, it's time to make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. If you like more acidity, add the vinegar. This dressing brings all the elements of the salad together. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. A good dressing enhances the overall flavor. Now, it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss everything together gently. You want to coat the pasta and vegetables evenly without breaking them apart too much. After that, fold in 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley. This adds creaminess and a burst of color. Lastly, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together. This step is key to a delicious salad. Serve it chilled or at room temperature. For an appealing look, serve in a large bowl, and garnish with parsley and extra feta. This will impress your guests and make for a beautiful dish. For the full recipe, refer to the Easy Greek Pasta Salad. To cook pasta just right, start with plenty of water. Use a big pot and add a pinch of salt. Wait until the water boils before adding pasta. Stir often to stop it from sticking. Cook the pasta until it's al dente. This means it should still have a little bite. After cooking, drain the pasta. Rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy in your salad. To boost flavors, add fresh herbs like parsley or basil. Oregano is a great choice, too. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the taste. If you like it spicy, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Mixing the dressing well is key. Combine olive oil with vinegar for a nice tang. Taste as you mix to find the right balance of salt and pepper. This makes your salad pop with flavor. Serve your Easy Greek Pasta Salad in a large bowl. This makes it easy for everyone to help themselves. You can also use a platter for a nice presentation. Top the salad with a sprinkle of feta cheese and fresh parsley. For a crunch, add some toasted nuts or seeds. Pair the salad with grilled chicken or fish for a full meal. Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature for the best taste. For the full recipe, check the details above. {{image_2}} You can make this salad even more colorful and nutritious. Add bell peppers for a sweet crunch. Spinach or arugula can boost the greens, giving it a fresh taste. Grated carrots add color and a hint of sweetness. Try adding artichoke hearts for a unique twist. Each of these options will enhance the flavor while keeping it vegetarian. If you want to add protein, there are great choices. Chickpeas are an easy option. They add fiber and make the salad filling. You can also add grilled chicken for a heartier meal. Shrimp or tuna are fantastic for a seafood twist. Adding these proteins can turn this salad into a full meal. People have different diets, and that's okay! For gluten-free eaters, swap regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. If you want a lower-calorie option, use zucchini noodles instead. For those who avoid dairy, try vegan cheese or skip the cheese entirely. Each swap keeps the spirit of the dish while meeting dietary needs. For the full recipe, check out the Easy Greek Pasta Salad. To keep your Easy Greek Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well. This way, it stays crisp and tasty. Avoid letting it sit out at room temperature for too long. Always refrigerate any leftovers right after serving. In the fridge, your Easy Greek Pasta Salad will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. It is best to eat it within this time for the best flavor. Check for any signs of spoilage, like off smells or changes in texture. If it looks or smells strange, it's safer to throw it away. I do not recommend freezing this salad. Freezing can change the texture of the pasta and veggies. They may become mushy when thawed. Refrigerating is the best option to keep your salad fresh. Enjoy it cold for a refreshing meal! For complete details on making this dish, check the full recipe. To make Easy Greek Pasta Salad vegan, simply swap feta cheese for a dairy-free alternative. You can find many vegan cheeses that work well. Another option is to use tofu, which adds protein and texture. Ensure your dressing is also free from animal products. Use only olive oil and vinegar for a tasty, vegan-friendly dressing. This way, you still enjoy the salad's fresh flavors without compromising your diet. Yes, you can use other types of cheese in this salad. If you prefer a different flavor, try goat cheese or a sharp cheddar. Both add a nice twist to the dish. Just remember that the taste will change based on the cheese you choose. Feta is classic, but feel free to experiment. Cheese can make your salad more unique and delicious. The best vegetables for this pasta salad are fresh and crisp. Cherry tomatoes and cucumbers are great choices. You can also add bell peppers or zucchini for extra crunch. Red onion gives a nice bite, while Kalamata olives add a salty taste. Feel free to mix in other veggies you love. Just make sure they are chopped small for easy eating. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling. Prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. This helps the flavors blend well. When you make it early, you save time on busy days. For the best taste, add the feta just before serving. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! You learned how to make an easy Greek pasta salad with fresh ingredients. We covered essential and optional ingredients, pasta choices, and step-by-step cooking. I shared tips on cooking pasta and enhancing flavors. We also discussed variations for all diets and storage tips to keep your salad fresh. Enjoy crafting this salad for any meal. With simple tweaks, you can make it just the way you like. Now go ahead and make it your own!

Easy Greek Pasta Salad

Enjoy a refreshing and vibrant Easy Greek Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any occasion! Packed with flavorful ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta, this salad is a tasty way to celebrate warm weather. With a quick prep time of just 15 minutes, you'll have a delicious dish ready to impress your friends and family. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 250g) rotini or penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional for acidity)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives.

      Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar (if using), dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl of vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then toss everything together until evenly coated.

          Add Feta and Parsley: Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. Lightly mix to combine without breaking the feta too much.

            Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl or on a platter. Garnish with a few sprigs of fresh parsley and a sprinkle of additional feta cheese on top for an inviting appearance.