Let me tell you, this Greek pasta with feta is one of my absolute go-to recipes! It’s not just simple, but it’s bursting with fresh flavors that make your taste buds dance. Picture this: al dente pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and briny Kalamata olives, all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of feta. Yum! What I love most is how quick it comes together—perfect for those busy weeknights or when you’re hosting friends and want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. And did you know that this dish is inspired by the classic Greek salad? That’s right! It’s like taking the best parts of a salad and giving them a cozy pasta twist. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this delicious Greek pasta with feta! Here’s what you’ll be using:
- 8 oz pasta: I usually go for penne or fusilli, but feel free to choose your favorite type!
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: These add a sweet burst of flavor—don’t skip them!
- 1 cup cucumber, diced: I love the crunch this brings to the dish; English cucumbers work great!
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted: These are essential for that briny kick. If you can’t find Kalamata, black olives will do in a pinch.
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled: Go for the good stuff if you can; it really elevates the dish!
- 1/4 cup olive oil: A nice extra virgin olive oil adds richness—trust me, it makes a difference!
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar: This gives a lovely tangy flavor that rounds everything out.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A sprinkle of this herb is like a mini vacation to Greece!
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season; it really brings out all the flavors!
Now that we have our ingredients ready, we can dive into making this beautiful dish!
How to Prepare Greek Pasta with Feta
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this scrumptious Greek pasta with feta! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll have it on the table in no time. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be a pasta pro in no time!
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s cook the pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. You want it nice and bubbly! Add the 8 oz of pasta and cook according to the package instructions—usually around 8 to 10 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Remember, you want it firm but not crunchy. Just before draining, reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water; it can be a lifesaver for adjusting the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool for a few minutes.
Preparing the Vegetables and Dressing
While the pasta is cooking, let’s chop up those veggies! In a large mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, and 1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives. It’s a colorful mix that not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful! Now, for the dressing: in a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tbsp of red wine vinegar, 1 tsp of dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure it’s well combined; you want every bite to be flavorful!
Combining Ingredients
Now, it’s time for the fun part—mixing everything together! Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with your veggies. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything gently but thoroughly, making sure the pasta and veggies are evenly coated. If it seems a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add a splash of that reserved pasta water! It’ll help everything come together beautifully.
Adding Feta Cheese
Finally, let’s top this beauty with feta! Crumble the 1/2 cup of feta cheese over the pasta dish just before serving. I like to do this right at the end to keep the feta nice and fresh. If you want to impress, you can sprinkle a little extra oregano on top for that touch of flair. And voilà! Your Greek pasta with feta is ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, there’s so much to love about this Greek pasta with feta! First off, it’s incredibly quick to whip up—perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something delicious on the table in a flash. Just think: in about 25 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant meal ready to go!
The flavors are refreshingly bold, thanks to the juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta. It’s like a flavor explosion with every bite! Plus, it’s a fantastic dish for meal prep. You can make a big batch ahead of time, and it tastes just as good (if not better!) after chilling in the fridge. Just grab a container, and you’re set for lunch or dinner all week!
And let’s not forget, this dish is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for all sorts of dietary preferences. Want to switch things up? It’s super versatile—you can easily add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even swap out veggies based on what you have on hand. The possibilities are endless! Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Greek pasta with feta turns out absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips that I swear by:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep an eye on the clock and taste a piece a minute or two before the package time is up. You want it just tender, not mushy!
- Use high-quality feta: The feta cheese can make or break this dish! Opt for a creamy, crumbly feta, preferably imported from Greece if you can find it. It adds that authentic touch.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to throw in other colorful vegetables like bell peppers, red onion, or even spinach. Just make sure they’re chopped evenly for a balanced bite!
- Let it chill: If you have time, let the pasta salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes after mixing. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite even tastier!
- Adjust the seasoning: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste as you go, and adjust to your liking. Sometimes a little extra seasoning can elevate the whole dish.
- Make it your own: Love a bit of heat? Add some crushed red pepper flakes. Want a bit more zing? A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten everything up!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be ready to whip up a Greek pasta with feta that impresses everyone at the table!
Variations
The beauty of Greek pasta with feta is how customizable it is! You can easily mix things up to match your cravings or whatever you have in the fridge. Here are some fun variations to inspire your next creation:
- Veggie Swap: Try adding roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even fresh spinach for a delightful twist. Just remember to chop them to a similar size for even distribution.
- Protein Boost: Want to make it heartier? Toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein-packed meal. It’s a great way to turn this pasta into a filling main dish!
- Pasta Variety: Switch up the pasta shape! Fusilli, farfalle, or even whole wheat pasta can give this dish a new texture. You could even try a gluten-free pasta if that’s your jam!
- Dressing Options: Feel free to experiment with the dressing! A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a spoonful of pesto can add an exciting zing to the flavor profile.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill for a fragrant boost. Fresh herbs always elevate a dish and bring it to life!
- Cheese Alternatives: Not a fan of feta? Try crumbling goat cheese, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a different but equally delicious flavor.
With these variations, you’ll never get bored of this Greek pasta with feta! Each time you make it, you can create something uniquely yours. So go ahead, get creative, and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got some leftovers of that delicious Greek pasta with feta? No problem! Storing it properly is key to keeping those flavors fresh. First, make sure the pasta has cooled down to room temperature. Then, transfer it into an airtight container. This helps to lock in the goodness and prevent it from drying out. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can serve it cold straight from the fridge, or if you prefer it warm, here’s how to reheat it without losing that amazing flavor. Just pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring halfway through, until it’s warmed to your liking. If it seems a bit dry after reheating, simply add a splash of olive oil or a bit of the reserved pasta water to bring it back to life. Trust me, it’ll taste just as good as when you first made it!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delightful Greek pasta with feta! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on typical ingredient values, and they can vary depending on brands and specific quantities used. Here’s a general breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
This Greek pasta with feta not only tastes amazing but also offers a balanced mix of nutrients, making it a fabulous addition to your meal rotation. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious creation!
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend making it ahead of time. It tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld in the fridge. Just prepare the dish, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Perfect for meal prep!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, don’t worry! You can try crumbling goat cheese or even using ricotta for a creamier texture. Parmesan cheese can also add a nice flavor, though it’s not as tangy. Just remember to adjust the amount according to your taste!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Greek pasta with feta gluten-free, simply swap out the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety. There are so many options available now, from rice pasta to chickpea pasta, that you can still enjoy this delicious dish without the gluten!
Can I add extra protein to this dish?
Definitely! This pasta is super versatile. You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost. Just mix them in when you combine everything, and you’ll have a heartier meal!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce in the dressing. You can also add some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Spice it up to your liking!
Can I use other vegetables?
For sure! Feel free to experiment with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, red onions, or even some roasted zucchini would be fantastic additions. Just make sure they’re chopped evenly so they mix well with the pasta!
Greek Pasta with Feta: 5 Bold Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and tasty Greek pasta dish with feta cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and olives.
- Add cooked pasta to the bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss to combine.
- Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Notes
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
- This dish can be made ahead of time.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Tossing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: greek pasta, pasta with feta, greek salad pasta
