🥗🍝 Greek Pasta Salad 🍅🧀
🛒 Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or orzo) 🍝
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
- ½ cup cucumber, diced 🥒
- ½ cup bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), diced 🌶️
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped 🧅
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced 🫒
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled 🧀
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
- ¼ cup toasted almonds or walnuts (optional for crunch) 🌰
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar 🍷
- 1 tbsp lemon juice 🍋
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder 🧄
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
📝 Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook pasta al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain, rinse under cold water, and let it cool.
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Dice cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions.
- Slice cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives.
- Chop fresh parsley.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Combine Everything:
- In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Chill & Serve:
- Let the salad sit for 15–30 minutes in the fridge to enhance flavors.
- Garnish with extra feta and parsley before serving.
⭐️ Recipe Notes:
- For a Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
- Make it Vegan: Swap feta for dairy-free cheese or omit it.
- Want More Flavor? Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Stays fresh for up to 4 days in the fridge!
🍽️ Servings & Nutrition (Per Serving)
Servings: 4
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: ~7g
- Fats: ~15g
- Carbs: ~28g
- Fiber: ~3g
(Values may vary based on ingredient brands)
💪 Health Benefits:
✔ Rich in Antioxidants: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers provide vitamins A & C.
✔ Heart-Healthy: Olive oil and olives contain healthy fats.
✔ Gut-Friendly: Fiber-rich and promotes digestion.
✔ Balanced Meal: A great mix of carbs, protein, and healthy fats.
❓ Q/A & Tips:
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! It actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as flavors blend.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or orzo absorbs the dressing well.
Enjoy this fresh, tangy, and Mediterranean-inspired Greek Pasta Salad! 🥗✨ Let me know if you have any questions or need modifications! 😊