Description
A refreshing and vibrant Greek Pasta Salad featuring gemeli or rotini pasta tossed with crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese, all coated in a zesty homemade lemon and oregano dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 16 ounces gemeli or rotini pasta
Vegetables & Cheese
- 1 English cucumber, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup pitted kalamata olives
- 6 ounces feta cheese, cubed
Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gemeli or rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Add the sliced English cucumber, diced red bell pepper, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, pitted kalamata olives, and cubed feta cheese to the bowl with the pasta.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and cracked black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- For best flavor, let the salad chill for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the dressing to infuse.
- You can substitute gemeli or rotini with other short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli.
- Use good quality feta cheese for a richer taste.
- This salad keeps well and can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or mint for extra freshness if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek pasta salad, feta pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, summer pasta salad, gemeli pasta salad, easy pasta salad
