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Easy Zesty Greek Pasta Salad Recipe 5-Minute Perfect Summer Side

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A quick, vibrant Greek pasta salad featuring zesty lemon, briny Kalamata olives, fresh veggies, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or a refreshing side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, chop the fresh parsley, and halve the Kalamata olives.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Place the warm pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared vegetables, olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
  7. Serve immediately for a fresh flavor or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. If chilled, drizzle a little more olive oil before serving if the salad seems dry.

Notes

Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option or dairy-free cheese to make it vegan. Toss the salad while pasta is still warm to help dressing absorb better. Avoid overcooking pasta to maintain texture. Rinsing pasta under cold water stops cooking and prevents stickiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, zesty pasta salad, summer side dish, easy pasta salad, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, quick salad, Mediterranean salad

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/easy-zesty-greek-pasta-salad-recipe-5-minute-perfect-summer-side/