Looking for a delightful dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors? Look no further than our recipe for Lotsa Pasta Greek Pasta Salad! This fresh and filling salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even as the star of a summer picnic spread. Packed with vibrant veggies, tangy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, this dish brings together the best of Greek cuisine in a satisfying pasta salad. Let’s dive into how to whip up this colorful and delicious recipe right in your own kitchen!
**Lotsa Pasta Greek Pasta Salad**
**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz. rotini pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 English cucumber, diced
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, torn
– 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. **Prepare the Dressing:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. **Assemble the Salad:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
4. **Add the Dressing:** Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to coat all the ingredients with the flavorful dressing. Ensure everything is well combined.
5. **Chill and Serve:** Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Greek pasta salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together. Before serving, give the salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. **Garnish and Enjoy:** Serve the Greek Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. Sprinkle some extra feta cheese and fresh herbs on top for an extra burst of flavor. This salad is a perfect side dish for grilled meats, a refreshing lunch on its own, or a great addition to a potluck or picnic spread.
This Lotsa Pasta Greek Pasta Salad is a versatile and tasty dish that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the fresh produce of the season in a healthy and delicious way. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this flavorful Mediterranean-inspired salad. Cheers to good food and good company!
