Save Summer Pasta Salad: Greek Style with Olives and Feta is a vibrant and refreshing dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Bursting with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy Kalamata olives, this salad is elevated by the creamy crumbles of feta cheese and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for warm weather gatherings, its bright flavors and easy preparation make it a go-to side dish or light meal for sharing with friends and family.
Save What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔
Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.
Free. No spam. Just easy meals.
This pasta salad is not only delicious but also highly customizable. Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a flavorful side, it holds up well chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks and picnics. The combination of herbs and tangy dressing ties the ingredients together beautifully, inviting you to savor each bite.
Ingredients
Tired of Takeout? 🥡
Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.
One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
- Pasta: 250 g (about 9 oz) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle), salt for pasta water
- Vegetables: 1 medium cucumber, diced; 200 g cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 small red onion, finely sliced; 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Greek Flavors: 100 g Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 120 g feta cheese, crumbled; 2 tbsp capers (optional)
- Dressing: 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 garlic clove, finely minced; 1/2 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh Herbs: 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
- 1.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly; set aside.
- 2.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, olives, and capers (if using).
- 3.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- 4.
- Add the cooled pasta to the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- 5.
- Fold in the feta cheese, parsley, and dill (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 6.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Toscanische Pasta-Salate profitieren besonders vom Kühlen vor dem Servieren, um die Aromen vollständig zu entfalten. Achten Sie darauf, die Pasta gut abzukühlen und nicht zu lange zu kochen, damit sie ihre angenehme Bissfestigkeit behält. Optional können Sie Kapern hinzufügen, um eine zusätzliche Note aus salzigem Aroma einzubringen.
Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇
Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.
Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Für eine proteinreichere Version fügen Sie gegrilltes Hühnchen oder Kichererbsen hinzu. Verwenden Sie vegane Feta-Alternativen für eine milchfreie Variante. Glutenfreie oder Vollkornpasta sind ebenfalls passende Ersatzmöglichkeiten. Diese Anpassungen machen das Rezept vielseitig und für verschiedene Ernährungsbedürfnisse geeignet.
Serviervorschläge
Am besten servieren Sie den Salat gut gekühlt oder bei Raumtemperatur. Er passt hervorragend zu trockenen Weißweinen wie Sauvignon Blanc und begleitet mediterrane Grillgerichte oder leichte Sommersnacks.
Save This Greek-style summer pasta salad offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that can brighten any meal. Its straightforward preparation and fresh ingredients make it a dependable favorite through the warmer months. Whether shared at a family picnic or served as a colorful side, it invites everyone to enjoy the best of Mediterranean summer.
Cooking Questions
- → What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle hold the dressing and ingredients well, creating a balanced texture.
- → Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it's great for meal prep. Refrigerate for up to two days; flavors deepen as it chills. Stir before serving.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely. It uses feta and fresh vegetables. Vegan feta substitutes easily for dairy-free options.
- → Which herbs enhance the flavor most?
Fresh parsley and dill add brightness and work well with Greek flavors. Adjust quantities to taste or omit dill if preferred.
- → What can I serve with it?
Enjoy as a light meal or pair with grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crusty bread. It complements dry white wines too.
- → How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply use certified gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free and safe for most diets.
