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- 2 cups whole wheat penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice for a zestier alternative) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste This Greek pasta salad is not only tasty but also healthy. It has about 200 calories per serving. You get around 6 grams of protein and 35 grams of carbs. The salad has healthy fats from olive oil and feta cheese. It offers fiber from whole wheat pasta and fresh veggies, making it a great choice for a light meal. Plus, it’s packed with vitamins. Enjoy this dish without worry! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe. To start, cook 2 cups of whole wheat penne pasta. Follow the package instructions. Aim for al dente texture, which means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta well. Rinse it under cold water. This cools the pasta down and stops the cooking process. In a large mixing bowl, add the following fresh ingredients: - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled Mix these ingredients gently. They create a colorful and tasty base for your salad. Next, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together: - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice for more zest) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste Mix well until all the ingredients combine smoothly. This dressing will add wonderful flavor to your salad. Now, add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the fresh ingredients. Drizzle the dressing over everything. Gently toss all the ingredients together. Make sure each piece is coated with the dressing. For a burst of flavor, fold in 1/4 cup of freshly chopped parsley. Allow the salad to rest for about 15-20 minutes. For the best taste, refrigerate it for up to 2 hours before serving. Enjoy this dish as an appetizer or a light meal. Check out the Full Recipe for more details! To achieve that perfect al dente pasta, cook the whole wheat penne just right. Follow the package instructions closely. Start checking the pasta a minute or two before the time is up. It should be firm to the bite but still cooked. Rinse the pasta with cold water after draining. This stops the cooking process and cools it down fast. It keeps your pasta from getting mushy in the salad. To enhance the dressing, try adding a pinch of fresh garlic. Minced garlic brings a strong punch to the mix. You can also add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a nice tang. If you want a little heat, a dash of red pepper flakes works well too. You can even swap out red wine vinegar for fresh lemon juice for a zesty twist. This adds brightness that pairs well with the veggies. For the best experience, chill your pasta salad for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. If you’re short on time, resting it for 15-20 minutes at room temperature works too. Serve the salad cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra parsley for a fresh look. This dish shines as a light meal or a starter. Enjoy it with friends at a picnic or a family gathering. {{image_4}} You can boost your Greek pasta salad with protein. Adding grilled chicken gives a savory flavor. Simply slice cooked chicken breast and mix it in. For a vegetarian option, use chickpeas. Rinse and drain a can, then add them for a hearty touch. Both options make the salad more filling. If you need gluten-free choices, swap whole wheat penne for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options that work great. For a vegan version, leave out the feta cheese. You can use tofu or avocado for creaminess. This way, everyone can enjoy this dish. Feel free to get creative with vegetables and cheese. Instead of cherry tomatoes, try sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor. Swap feta for goat cheese for a different taste. You can also add spinach or arugula for extra greens. Each swap gives your salad a unique twist. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. To keep your Greek pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air and moisture. Refrigerate the leftovers right after serving. This will help maintain the taste and texture of the salad. Your Greek pasta salad stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. The flavors may deepen over time, but the veggies can lose their crunch. If you want the best taste, try to eat it within the first few days. If your salad sits for a few days, it may need a quick refresh. Add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Mixing in some fresh herbs can also revive the taste. Gently toss the salad to combine everything. This way, you can enjoy a tasty dish even after a few days! Yes, you can make Greek Pasta Salad ahead of time. This is perfect for gatherings. Prep the salad a few hours or even a day before. Keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will blend nicely as it sits. Just remember to stir it well before serving. You can use several options if you need a feta substitute. Try crumbled goat cheese or ricotta for a creamy touch. For a dairy-free option, use tofu or vegan feta. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy flavor. Each option brings its own taste and texture. Absolutely! You can use different pasta shapes for Greek Pasta Salad. Fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti work well. Each shape will change the salad's look and mouthfeel. Just cook it al dente for the best texture. This flexibility allows you to use what you have on hand. To keep the pasta salad fresh, rinse the cooked pasta under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down. You can also use a small amount of olive oil on the pasta. This helps prevent sticking. Finally, keep the dressing separate until serving time. This way, your salad stays crisp and tasty. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Greek pasta salad. We listed ingredients, gave step-by-step cooking instructions, and shared tips for the perfect dish. Remember, using whole wheat penne and fresh veggies boosts taste and nutrition. Try adding protein for a heartier meal. You can store leftovers easily and keep flavors fresh. Enjoy experimenting with variations to make this salad your own. This dish is not just tasty; it is healthy and versatile. Dive in and share it with friends or enjoy it solo!

Greek Pasta Salad

Discover the perfect summer recipe with Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad! This colorful and nutritious dish combines whole wheat penne pasta, fresh veggies, Kalamata olives, and creamy feta for a burst of flavor in every bite. Whip it up easily with our step-by-step instructions, and let it chill for optimal taste. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and impress your friends and family at your next gathering!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups whole wheat penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice for a zestier alternative)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the whole wheat penne pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente texture. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to swiftly halt the cooking process and cool it down.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. This vibrant assortment will form the hearty base of your salad.

      In a smaller bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and freshly cracked pepper. This zesty dressing will elevate the flavors of your salad.

        Add the cooled pasta to the bowl filled with vegetables and feta. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are coated and well combined.

          Fold in the freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant burst of flavor and a pop of color to your pasta salad.

            Allow the pasta salad to rest for approximately 15-20 minutes at room temperature. For the best flavor infusion, consider refrigerating it for up to 2 hours before serving.

              Serve the Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature, allowing all the flavors to shine. Enjoy this dish as an appetizer or a light meal!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 35 min | Serves 4-6