Ingredients
16 ounces of short pasta (such as penne, bowtie, or fusilli) Forms the hearty base, providing carbs for energy while holding the veggies and dressing.
1 diced English cucumber Adds crunch and hydration, plus vitamins for a refreshing texture in this healthy Greek pasta salad.
1 pint halved grape tomatoes Brings sweetness and juiciness, offering antioxidants and a burst of flavor that enhances the salad’s freshness.
1 diced bell pepper (yellow or orange) Provides a sweet, colorful crunch and vitamin C, making the dish more vibrant and nutritious.
1/2 cup sliced pitted Kalamata olives Contributes a briny tang and healthy fats, adding depth and a traditional Greek element to the mix.
1/2 cup diced red onion Offers a sharp bite and flavor boost, while also providing anti-inflammatory benefits for a lively twist.
3 ounces crumbled feta cheese Gives a creamy, tangy finish with protein and calcium, but can be swapped for milder options if needed.
1 large crushed garlic clove Infuses aromatic depth and immune-boosting properties into the dressing for this healthy Greek pasta salad.
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard Helps emulsify the dressing, adding a subtle tang that ties the flavors together without overpowering.
1 teaspoon dried oregano Brings earthy Mediterranean herbs that enhance the overall Greek salad essence with minimal calories.
1/4 cup lemon juice Provides bright acidity and vitamin C, making the dressing light and zesty for a healthier option.
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar Adds a sharp note that balances oils and elevates the dressing’s tanginess in your Greek pasta salad.
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil Supplies heart-healthy fats for creaminess and richness, ensuring the dressing coats ingredients well.
1/2 teaspoon salt Seasons to perfection, enhancing all flavors while keeping sodium in check for a nutritious profile.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper Offers a mild spice and antioxidant benefits, rounding out the dressing’s taste in this fresh salad.
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare Your Ingredients Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables to set up for success. Dice 1 English cucumber, halve 1 pint of grape tomatoes, dice 1 bell pepper, slice 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, and dice 1/2 cup of red onion; this should take about 5 minutes. Measure out 3 ounces of crumbled feta cheese and set aside. Having everything prepped helps keep the healthy Greek pasta salad assembly quick and organized.
2-Second Step: Cook the Pasta Boil a large pot of water, adding salt to enhance the pasta’s flavor, and cook 16 ounces of short pasta to al dente, which typically takes 8-10 minutes based on the package. Once done, rinse the pasta under cold water for about 1 minute to stop the cooking process and prevent sogginess. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large bowl, ready for mixing with the fresh veggies in your healthy Greek pasta salad.
3-Third Step: Make the Dressing In a small jar, combine 1 crushed garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk these together until well mixed, which takes about 2 minutes, to create a flavorful dressing for your Greek pasta salad. For low-calorie adaptations, reduce the oil slightly or use more lemon juice here.
4-Fourth Step: Combine the Salad Add the prepared vegetables 1 diced cucumber, 1 pint halved tomatoes, 1 diced bell pepper, 1/2 cup sliced olives, and 1/2 cup diced red onion to the bowl with the pasta. Sprinkle in 3 ounces of crumbled feta cheese and pour the dressing over the top. Toss everything thoroughly to coat evenly, ensuring all ingredients blend well in this healthy Greek pasta salad; this step takes around 2-3 minutes.
5-Fifth Step: Chill and Serve Once mixed, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for 2-3 hours to let the flavors meld, improving the taste significantly. For vegan versions, ensure you’ve swapped the feta, and for gluten-free, use appropriate pasta as noted. After chilling, give it a quick stir and serve as a light meal or side, with the total preparation hitting about 2 hours and 15 minutes including chill time.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧂 Salt the pasta water well to enhance overall flavor.
⏳ Cook pasta al dente to avoid sogginess once dressed.
🥗 If you prefer a stronger flavor, increase the dressing quantity by 1.5 times and allow the salad to chill overnight.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 239
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 274mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 6mg