If you’re looking for a dish that’s as vibrant as it is nutritious, then my Healthy Greek Pasta Salad is just what you need! Not only is it packed with fresh veggies and protein-rich feta, but it’s also a breeze to whip up. I remember the first time I made this salad for a summer picnic; the colors were so bright, and the flavors were bursting with every bite. It was a hit! What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is—you can add your favorite ingredients or adjust the dressing to suit your taste. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy a healthy lunch all week long. Trust me, once you try this Healthy Greek Pasta Salad, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that pasta cooking! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, throw in 8 ounces of whole wheat pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, usually about 8–10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should have a little bite to it—trust me, you don’t want mushy pasta here! After it’s done, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This little step is key; nobody wants a warm salad!
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
Now that your pasta is cooled, it’s time to bring everything together! In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1/2 finely chopped red onion, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/2 cup of sliced Kalamata olives. Just imagine those vibrant colors! Give it a gentle toss to mix everything up, making sure not to crush the feta cheese. You want that lovely creamy texture to shine through!
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Let’s whip up the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I love using a whisk for this because it really emulsifies the oil and vinegar, creating a beautifully blended dressing. Give it a taste—if you think it needs a little more salt or pepper, don’t be shy! Adjust it to your liking; this dressing is what ties the whole salad together!
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Now comes the fun part! Pour the dressing over your pasta salad mixture and toss everything together until it’s evenly coated. I usually let it sit for a few minutes to let those flavors mingle—so good! Serve it chilled or at room temperature. This Healthy Greek Pasta Salad is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or shrimp if you’re looking to add some extra protein. Just dig in and enjoy the freshness in every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
- Nutritious and satisfying, perfect for a healthy meal.
- Packed with fresh vegetables and protein-rich feta.
- Full of flavor, thanks to the vibrant Mediterranean ingredients.
- Great for meal prep—make it ahead of time for easy lunches!
- Versatile; you can customize it with your favorite add-ins.
- Perfectly refreshing for summer picnics or potlucks.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a crowd-pleaser for all diets.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your Healthy Greek Pasta Salad turns out absolutely amazing! Here are my top tips that will elevate your salad game:
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher your veggies, the better the salad will taste! Look for vibrant tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and aromatic herbs.
- Don’t skip the cooling step: Cooling the pasta is crucial! It prevents the salad from becoming warm and soggy, keeping everything crisp and refreshing.
- Let it rest: After tossing everything together, let the salad sit for about 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Tweak the dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing! Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it your own: This salad is super versatile! Consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or roasted red peppers to boost nutrition and flavor.
- Store properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It lasts up to 3 days—just give it a quick toss before serving again!
With these tips, I promise you’ll be on your way to creating the most delicious and satisfying Healthy Greek Pasta Salad that everyone will love!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutrition behind this delicious Healthy Greek Pasta Salad! This is a rough estimate for one serving, so keep in mind that actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 10g
This Healthy Greek Pasta Salad is not only refreshing and tasty but also offers a balanced mix of nutrients to fuel your day. Enjoy knowing that you’re treating yourself to something both delicious and good for you!
FAQ Section
Can I make this Healthy Greek Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. Just make it a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. The flavors will actually improve as they meld together, making it even more delicious!
What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can use goat cheese or even a vegan cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that it’ll change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be yummy!
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, your Healthy Greek Pasta Salad will last about 3 days in the fridge. Just give it a good toss before serving, and you’re good to go!
Is this salad gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap out the whole wheat pasta for a gluten-free pasta option. There are plenty of great alternatives available that work wonderfully!
Can I add protein to this salad?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are fantastic add-ins. They’ll give you that extra boost of protein and make the salad even more filling!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Healthy Greek Pasta Salad is super simple, and it keeps well for a few days, which is perfect for busy weeks! Just transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. I love making this salad ahead of time for lunch throughout the week—it’s so convenient!
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, there’s no need to reheat this salad. It’s best served cold or at room temperature, so just give it a good toss to redistribute the dressing and flavors. If you find it’s a little dry after sitting in the fridge, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil or a splash of vinegar to freshen it up.
And remember, if you’re thinking of making a larger batch, you can easily double the recipe—but I doubt it will last long enough to need it! Enjoy your delicious, refreshing salad whenever you want!
Print
Healthy Greek Pasta Salad: 7 Reasons to Love It
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and nutritious Greek pasta salad perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 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 cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta, and olives.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
- Adjust the ingredients based on your taste.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
