Description
This Greek pasta salad is a fresh and vibrant dish loaded with crisp vegetables, briny olives, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a refreshing make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cooked rotini noodles
- 1 1/2 cups English or Persian cucumber, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 Roma tomatoes, cut into 8 pieces each
- 1 cup Kalamata olives
- 1/2 red onion, peeled and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2–3 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 2 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese or feta cheese
- 1 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the rotini according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until cooled, then transfer to a large bowl.
- In a separate large bowl, combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, Roma tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, fresh mint, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Mix well.
- Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture and toss to combine.
- Prepare the dressing by adding red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, 2 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to a blender. Pulse a few times, then slowly stream in the olive oil until emulsified.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan or additional feta cheese and toss again. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Use feta instead of Parmesan for a more traditional Greek flavor.
- Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
- Best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
