Healthy Greek Pasta Salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Whether you need a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or something to take to a potluck, this pasta salad offers a tasty and nutritious option that everyone can enjoy.
Why Make This Recipe
Making this Healthy Greek Pasta Salad is an excellent choice for many reasons. First, it is packed with fresh vegetables that provide essential vitamins and minerals. Second, it includes protein-rich feta cheese and heart-healthy olives. Third, it’s simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings. Plus, the zesty vinaigrette adds a burst of flavor that ties everything together.
How to Make Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
- 8 oz bowtie pasta, cooked to al dente
- 1 English cucumber, sliced into half moons
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 5 oz kalamata olives, halved
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 oz feta, cubed
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Directions:
- Prepare Pasta & Veggies: Start by cooking the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, green pepper, red onion, kalamata olives, and parsley.
- Prepare Zesty Vinaigrette: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, water, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine: Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Add the cubed feta cheese and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
How to Serve Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
You can serve Healthy Greek Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It makes a fantastic side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or as a main vegetarian dish. Garnish with extra parsley for a pop of color!
How to Store Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day.
Tips to Make Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Feel free to swap in your favorite veggies such as bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts.
- Make the salad a day ahead to let the flavors blend beautifully overnight.
Variation
You can turn this salad into a protein-rich meal by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra sustenance.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! Any pasta shape you prefer will work well in this salad.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: To make it gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This salad is perfect for making ahead of time and tastes even better after it sits in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Enjoy your Healthy Greek Pasta Salad! It’s a wonderful dish that enhances any meal with its colorful ingredients and zesty flavors.
Healthy Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz bowtie pasta, cooked to al dente
- 1 English cucumber, sliced into half moons
- 10 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 green pepper, chopped
- 1/2 red onion, chopped
- 5 oz kalamata olives, halved
- 3 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 8 oz feta, cubed
Zesty Vinaigrette
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup water
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, green pepper, red onion, kalamata olives, and parsley.
Zesty Vinaigrette
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, water, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Combine
- Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Add the cubed feta cheese and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.