Greek Veggie Pasta Salad
Looking for a fresh and flavorful dish to brighten up your meal rotation? This Greek Veggie Pasta Salad is a perfect choice! Packed with vibrant colors and delicious Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is a great addition to any summer picnic, potluck, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It’s a breeze to prepare and can be customized with your favorite veggies and herbs. Let’s dive into how to whip up this delightful Greek-inspired pasta salad!
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz. fusilli pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 small cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
**For the dressing:**
– 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the veggie mixture in the large bowl and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
5. Add the cooked and cooled fusilli pasta to the bowl and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the dressing and mixed with the veggies.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt and pepper as desired.
7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing. Garnish with additional feta cheese and parsley if desired.
Enjoy this refreshing Greek Veggie Pasta Salad as a side dish or a light main course. It’s perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a pack-and-go lunch option. The combination of fresh vegetables, savory olives, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs will transport you to the sunny shores of Greece with every bite. Prepare a batch of this vibrant pasta salad and savor the Mediterranean flavors in the comfort of your own home. Cheers to good food and good company!