Description
This Refreshing Greek Pasta Salad combines tender bow-tie pasta with vibrant fresh vegetables, olives, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon and Dijon mustard vinaigrette. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s a perfect light and flavorful meal or side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz Bow-tie Pasta (swap with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option)
- 12 oz Cherry or Grape Tomatoes (halved)
- 2 medium Cucumbers (quartered)
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1/3 cup Red Onion (chopped)
- 1/3 cup Black Olives (sliced)
- 1/3 cup Green Olives (sliced)
- 4 oz Feta Cheese (crumbled)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (use high-quality for the best results)
- 3 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed works best)
- 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar (substitutable with apple cider vinegar)
- 2 tsp Dijon Mustard (any mustard can work, but Dijon shines)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (Italian seasoning can substitute)
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- Pepper (Add to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow-tie pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the dressing is well emulsified and smooth.
- Toss the Vegetables: Add the halved cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered cucumbers, diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, black olives, and green olives into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to evenly coat all the vegetables.
- Combine Pasta and Salad: Once the pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the dressed vegetables. Add the crumbled feta cheese on top and toss everything together gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten-free.
- For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or mint.
- Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving for the best taste.
- Can be served as a main dish or side salad.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek pasta salad, bow-tie pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, feta cheese salad, quick pasta salad, healthy salad recipe
