5-Ingredient Greek Pasta Salad: Ready in 15!

Introduction

Transform humble pasta and everyday veggies into a vibrant, flavour-packed Greek Pasta Salad in a flash! This recipe is your ultimate weeknight dinner savior, perfect for busy cooks who crave delicious, healthy meals without the fuss. Forget complicated recipes – this one’s all about speed and satisfaction.

Why This Works

This Greek Pasta Salad recipe is a winner because it’s incredibly versatile, uses pantry staples, and comes together in under 15 minutes. The bright, zesty lemon vinaigrette perfectly complements the salty feta and fresh vegetables, creating a flavour explosion in every bite. It’s the ultimate make-ahead dish, too, meaning you can prep it in the morning for a stress-free lunch or dinner.

Key Ingredients

🍝 1 pound pasta (rotini, farfalle, or your favorite shape)
🍅 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
🥒 1 cucumber, diced
🧅 ½ red onion, thinly sliced
🧀 ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
Kalamata olives (1 cup pitted, halved)
🍋 Juice of 2 lemons
🌿 ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
🌿 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano
🫙 2/3 cup olive oil
🧂 Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and chill the pasta quickly.
2️⃣ While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
3️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, feta cheese, and olives.
4️⃣ In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5️⃣ Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine.
6️⃣ Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Handy Tips

• Use pre-washed and pre-cut vegetables to save even more time!
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
• If you don’t have fresh herbs, dried oregano and parsley will work in a pinch (use about 1 teaspoon of each).

Heat Control

This recipe doesn’t involve any heat beyond cooking the pasta. Ensure your pasta water is boiling vigorously to cook the pasta evenly and prevent sticking. Rinsing the pasta under cold water immediately after cooking prevents it from continuing to cook and helps it to retain its texture.

Crunch Factor

The delightful crunch comes from the fresh vegetables, especially the cucumber and red onion. The slight firmness of the pasta combined with the juicy tomatoes and olives adds to the pleasant textural variety.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon or two of Greek yogurt.
• Roast the vegetables beforehand for a deeper, sweeter flavor. Simply toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost!

Storage Tips

Store leftover Greek Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, creating even more depth.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This salad makes a fantastic potluck dish! Transport it in a large, attractive bowl or individual serving containers. A simple ribbon tied around the container adds a nice touch.

Flavor Variations

🌟 Spicy Greek: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing.
🌟 Mediterranean Twist: Incorporate artichoke hearts, bell peppers, and Kalamata olives for a wider range of flavors and textures.
🌟 Herby Delight: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, mint, or basil.
🌟 Creamy Greek: Stir in a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a richer, creamier salad.

Troubleshooting

• Pasta too sticky: Ensure you rinse the pasta thoroughly with cold water after cooking.
• Dressing too tart: Add a touch of honey or sugar to balance the acidity.
• Dressing too thin: Whisk in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to thicken it slightly.

FAQ

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: Absolutely! It’s even better the next day after the flavors have melded.
Q: Can I use different types of pasta? A: Yes! Rotini, farfalle, penne, or even orzo would all work well.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh herbs? A: Dried oregano and parsley can be substituted, but use about 1 teaspoon of each.
Q: Can I add protein to this salad? A: Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans are all great additions.
Q: How long does it last in the fridge? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

This Lightning-Fast Greek Pasta Salad is your new go-to recipe for a quick, delicious, and healthy meal. It’s so easy to make and customize, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can create this flavorful masterpiece. Share this recipe with your friends and family – let’s spread the joy of simple, satisfying cooking!