Imagine a vibrant bowl filled with colorful pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese.
This Mediterranean Pasta Salad isn’t only a feast for the eyes but also a cinch to whip up.
With each bite, you’ll experience the crispness of cucumbers and the tangy burst of olives, all tied together with a zesty lemon dressing.
Let’s bring this delightful, simple dish to life and savor the flavors together.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 small whisk
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 200 grams pasta any type
- 100 grams feta cheese crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cucumber diced
- 1/4 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olives sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese, you can follow this timeline:
Preparation and Cooking Timeline:
- Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes):
- Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe and gathering all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Prep Work (10 minutes):
- Start by washing the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and any additional vegetables you plan to use.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
- Slice the olives and crumble the feta cheese.
- Set these ingredients aside for later use.
- Cooking (10 minutes):
- Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a boil. This may take a few minutes, so you can use this time to finish any remaining prep work.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing in a small bowl by whisking together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Cooling and Combining (5 minutes):
- Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to cool it quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- Final Steps (5 minutes):
- Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together to combine.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool quickly.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary before serving.
Serving Tips
- Grilled Chicken: Pair with grilled chicken for a complete and satisfying meal that adds protein.
- Crusty Bread: Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing and add a crunchy texture.
- Green Salad: Complement with a simple green salad to enhance the fresh and healthy aspect of the meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Add grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for an extra burst of flavor and nutrients.
- Chilled Soup: Accompany with a chilled soup like gazpacho for a rejuvenating and light summer meal.
Storage
Store pasta salad with feta cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and enhance flavor.
Freezing
To freeze pasta salad with feta cheese, store it in an airtight container.
Exclude fresh vegetables for better texture when thawed.
Consume within 1-2 months for best flavor.
Reheating
For reheating pasta salad with feta cheese, gently warm it on low heat to preserve texture.
Avoid microwaving to prevent mushiness.
Add extra dressing if it seems dry.
Final Thoughts
Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese is a versatile and invigorating dish perfect for any occasion.
The combination of pasta, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta cheese creates a delightful flavor profile.
Feel free to customize the salad by adding ingredients like bell peppers or fresh herbs to suit your taste.
Allowing the salad to sit for a few minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together for a more robust taste.
Whether you’re serving it as a side dish or a light main course, this pasta salad is sure to please.
Enjoy experimenting with different variations and make it your own!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese Instead of Feta?
You can absolutely swap feta with another cheese! Try goat cheese for a tangy twist, or mozzarella for a milder flavor. Experimenting with cheese types can enhance your dish’s taste, creating a deliciously unique experience.
Is It Possible to Make This Pasta Salad Gluten-Free?
You can make this pasta salad gluten-free by swapping regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Verify you check the labels for any hidden gluten sources, and you’ll enjoy a delicious salad without compromising on flavor or texture.
How Can I Make the Salad More Filling or Protein-Rich?
Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or quinoa to boost protein and make the salad more filling. These ingredients blend well with the Mediterranean flavors, offering a satisfying and nutritious meal that’ll keep you energized and content.
What Wine Pairs Well With This Pasta Salad?
You’ll find a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully. These wines complement the salad’s bright, tangy flavors with their crisp, invigorating notes. Their acidity balances the feta’s creaminess, enhancing each delicious bite. Enjoy!
Can I Prepare the Salad in Advance for a Party?
You can definitely prepare the salad in advance for a party! Just keep the dressing separate until serving to maintain freshness. This way, the veggies stay crisp and the flavors meld perfectly when you’re ready to enjoy.
Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 colander
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 small whisk
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 200 grams pasta any type
- 100 grams feta cheese crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cucumber cucumber diced
- 1/4 red onion red onion thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup olives sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to cool quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary before serving.
Notes
