Description
Traditional Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant and wholesome Mediterranean dish featuring bite-sized pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and creamy plant-based cheese. Tossed in a tangy dressing made with lemon juice, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and dried oregano, this refreshing salad is perfect for picnics, light lunches, or family dinners. Easy to prepare and customizable, it offers a delightful balance of fresh flavors, colors, and textures in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups bite-sized pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup cucumber, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
Plant-Based Cheese and Dressing
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (natural)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your chosen pasta. Cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down for the salad.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Pit and slice Kalamata olives if needed. Finely chop fresh parsley and mince a garlic clove to incorporate later.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), minced garlic, dried oregano (natural), salt, black pepper, and olive oil (natural) in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, and crumbled plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss everything gently until evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully. Serve chilled for a fresh and enjoyable meal or side dish.
Notes
- Choose smaller pasta shapes like fusilli or penne to trap the dressing and ingredients effectively.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture is ideal for the salad.
- Use fresh, ripe vegetables to enhance flavor and texture.
- Let the salad rest chilled to allow flavors to develop.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning after chilling for best taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Greek pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, plant-based cheese, vegan pasta salad, healthy salad
