Greek Pasta Salad
A vibrant Greek pasta salad featuring tender pasta, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese, all coated in a flavorful Italian dressing with basil and vinegar. Perfect for picnics, gatherings, or a light meal, it offers a refreshing combination of Mediterranean flavors that appeal to both veggie lovers and cheese enthusiasts.
Ingredients
- 14 to 16 oz. radiatore or pasta ruffles
- 10 oz. fresh spinach, rinsed and coarsely chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. Feta cheese, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing ⓘ
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or 1.5 teaspoons dried basil ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta to desired doneness; drain and cool by rinsing in cold water, then drain again.
- In large bowl, mix together Italian dressing, vegetable oil, chopped fresh basil, wine vinegar, salt, and pepper thoroughly but gently.
- Add cooked pasta, fresh spinach, and crumbled Feta cheese to the bowl and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve (best at room temperature).
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating olives or sundried tomatoes into the salad. If you're short on time, pre-cooked pasta can be a great substitute. You can easily swap the Feta for goat cheese or a dairy-free option if needed. Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano can also enhance the dish. This salad is versatile, so feel free to adjust the veggies based on what you have on hand.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek Pasta Salad makes a refreshing main dish or a vibrant side for grilled meats or seafood. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Sauteed Zucchini(Lo-Fat) or Tomato Basil Squares. For a complete meal, serve it alongside grilled chicken or shrimp, or enjoy it with crusty bread for a satisfying lunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To refresh the salad before serving, you can add a splash of additional Italian dressing or a drizzle of olive oil. If the pasta absorbs too much dressing, this will help revive the flavors. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the pasta and veggies may change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Pasta Salad contains roughly 144 calories, with 2g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 603mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a few hours in advance or even the day before. Just be sure to stir it well before serving. It tastes best at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to the right temperature.
What can I use instead of Italian dressing?
If you don't have Italian dressing, a simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and Italian herbs can work well. You can also create a homemade vinaigrette with balsamic vinegar for a different flavor profile. Adjust the seasoning to taste to ensure it complements the salad ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Greek Pasta Salad is vegetarian-friendly! It's packed with fresh vegetables and cheese, making it a nutritious option. If you want to keep it vegan, simply replace the Feta cheese with a plant-based alternative and ensure the dressing is vegan-friendly as well.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).