Healthy Greek Pasta Salad

$- 8 oz whole grain pasta (fusilli or penne) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced - ½ red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste When I make Healthy Greek Pasta Salad, I gather fresh, vibrant ingredients. The whole grain pasta adds a nice chew and keeps you full. I love using fusilli or penne for this dish; both work well! Next, the cherry tomatoes bring sweetness. I slice them in half for easy bites. Then, I chop a medium cucumber. Its cool crunch balances the rich flavors. For color and flavor, I add a bell pepper, diced into small pieces. Don't forget the red onion! I finely chop it to add a bit of sharpness. Kalamata olives are key for that briny taste. These are pitted and halved before going in the bowl. Feta cheese is a must for this salad. I crumble it over the top for creaminess. Lastly, I sprinkle in fresh parsley. It adds a pop of green and a fresh taste. Now, let’s talk about the dressing. A simple mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano brings it all together. I like to season with salt and pepper for extra flavor. This salad is not just tasty; it's colorful and healthy. You can find the full recipe here for more details! To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of whole grain pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down quickly. While the pasta cooks, chop up your veggies. You need 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, 1 medium cucumber, 1 bell pepper, and ½ red onion. Dice all of these and place them in a large mixing bowl. You also want 1 cup of Kalamata olives, pitted and halved. Add these olives to the bowl too. Once the pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the veggies. Gently toss everything together. This helps to mix the flavors well. Next, sprinkle 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and ¼ cup of chopped parsley over the mixture. Toss it again lightly to combine. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste. This dressing will give your salad a tasty kick. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss it gently. Make sure everything is well coated. For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. You can find the Full Recipe for a quick reference if needed. Chilling the salad is key to great flavor. I let my salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time lets the flavors mix and become more vibrant. You can also add lemon juice for extra freshness. A splash of lemon brightens every bite and adds zing. Serving is just as important as taste. I love using a large bowl to show off the colors. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of feta on top. For extra flair, add a few olives around the bowl. This adds a pop of color and makes it more inviting. Sometimes, salads can taste off. If it’s bland, adjust the seasonings. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to enhance the taste. If your salad is too dry, drizzle a bit more olive oil or lemon juice. Toss gently to ensure every bite is flavorful and moist. {{image_2}} You can easily enhance this salad with protein. I recommend adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Grilled chicken gives a smoky flavor. Shrimp adds a touch of the sea, while chickpeas provide a nice crunch. Each option enriches the dish and makes it more filling. Just cook your protein of choice and mix it in. If you prefer a vegan option, you can swap out feta cheese for vegan cheese. Vegan feta mimics the taste and texture of traditional feta. It still adds that creamy and tangy element to the salad. Other alternatives include tofu or nutritional yeast for added flavor. These swaps keep the dish tasty and satisfying. Using seasonal vegetables can boost the freshness of your salad. In summer, ripe tomatoes and cucumbers shine. In fall, consider adding roasted squash or bell peppers. Each season offers new flavors. This approach allows you to switch things up while keeping the salad vibrant and delicious. To store leftover salad, place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to mix it well before serving again. The flavors will blend nicely after sitting for a while. You can freeze pasta salad, but it may change in texture. The veggies can become mushy when thawed. If you want to freeze it, leave out the dressing and feta cheese. Store it in a freezer-safe container. It will last for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. The salad stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. After that, the ingredients may not taste as good. If you see any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or slimy veggies, throw it out. Enjoy your Healthy Greek Pasta Salad while it’s fresh for the best taste! For the full recipe, check out the Healthy Greek Pasta Salad section above. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare it up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will blend and taste even better after a day. Just remember to toss it again before serving. You can easily change this recipe. Here are some fun ideas: - Swap feta cheese for goat cheese or a dairy-free option. - Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein. - Toss in some spinach or arugula for extra greens. - Use different olives, like green or stuffed varieties. I recommend whole grain pasta like fusilli or penne. These shapes hold the dressing well. You can also use farro orzo for a different texture. Feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes, but keep it whole grain for health. Yes, you can make this salad gluten-free. Choose gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpeas. This will keep the salad tasty and friendly for those avoiding gluten. Make sure to check labels for any other ingredients, like olives or dressings, to stay gluten-free. This Greek pasta salad is a tasty mix of whole grain pasta, fresh veggies, and feta. You learned how to prepare the pasta, chop vegetables, and combine everything with a simple dressing. I shared tips for flavor, presentation, and storage. With easy variations, this salad can fit any meal. Keeping it fresh and delicious is simple. Try it out, and enjoy the colorful flavors all week. You’ll impress family and friends with this dish!$

Healthy Greek Pasta Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of Healthy Greek Pasta Salad, a perfect dish for any occasion! This refreshing recipe combines whole grain pasta with colorful vegetables, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta, all drizzled with a zesty olive oil dressing. Ideal for meal prep or a summer gathering, it's both nutritious and delicious. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game today! Enjoy a taste of Greece in your own kitchen.

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Ingredients

8 oz whole grain pasta (fusilli or penne works well)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 medium cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

½ red onion, finely chopped

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional, can substitute with lemon juice)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the whole grain pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Gently toss to combine.

Add Feta and Seasonings: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the pasta and vegetables.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, salt, and pepper until fully combined.

Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 6 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve in a large bowl, garnished with additional sprigs of parsley and a sprinkle of feta on top. For an added touch, place a few olives on the sides for decoration.