Description
Horiatiki Pasta Salad is a refreshing Greek-inspired dish that combines al dente rotini or penne pasta with vibrant fresh vegetables, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty oregano and garlic dressing. Perfect as a flavorful side or a light meal, this salad is easy to prepare and ideal for summer gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
Cheese and Herbs
- ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, halved Kalamata olives, sliced green bell pepper, and crumbled feta cheese. Toss gently to combine.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if using. Whisk until well emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing evenly over the pasta salad. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Garnish and chill: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad and add more crumbled feta on top if desired. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For the best flavor, let the salad sit for a few hours to absorb the dressing fully.
- This salad is versatile and can be enjoyed as a side dish or topped with grilled chicken for a complete light meal.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and lemon juice to taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Boiling, No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
