Greek Rotini Salad
A vibrant Greek-inspired pasta salad with fresh vegetables, tangy lemon dressing, and Parmesan, perfect for picnics, gatherings, or light summer meals.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. uncooked pasta (cheese tortellini or spirals) ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 2 tomatoes, cut into wedges ⓘ
- 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced ⓘ
- 1 c. diced green pepper
- 12 black olives ⓘ
- 3/4 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 8 radishes, thinly sliced ⓘ
- 1/4 c. sliced green onion ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the pasta and drain; let it cool.
- Combine lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and crushed garlic in a container.
- Mix until well blended and of a thick, creamy consistency.
- Chill the dressing mixture.
- Combine cooled pasta with tomatoes, cucumber, green pepper, black olives, Parmesan cheese, radishes, and green onion in a large bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a vibrant twist, consider adding some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or basil. If you want a protein boost, grilled chicken or chickpeas can be excellent additions. You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with feta for a more traditional Greek flavor. Make sure to let the pasta cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting the vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek Rotini Salad is perfect as a main dish or a side, especially alongside grilled meats or fish. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Zucchini And Tomato Au Gratin or can be served at picnics and potlucks. Add some crusty bread for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can enjoy it cold or gently warm it in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Rotini Salad contains roughly 1408 calories, with 9g protein, 53g carbohydrates, and 136g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (92% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (83% of the Daily Value), and calcium (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2774mg per serving (121% 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 prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crunch of the vegetables. Combine everything and toss just before serving for the best texture.
What type of pasta works best in this salad?
While the recipe suggests cheese tortellini or spirals, you can use any short pasta like penne or fusilli. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be substituted based on dietary preferences.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or even artichokes for added flavor and texture. Mixing in seasonal vegetables can elevate the dish and keep it exciting.
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).