Joanna Gaines Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

This vibrant Greek Pasta Salad is a summer potluck hero as well as being effortlessly fresh! Tossing the warm pasta with the dressing makes the noodles absorb the flavor instantly, which along with the crisp cucumber and salty feta adds a zesty, Mediterranean crunch to this salad that is so perfect for a picnic.

Joanna Gaines Greek Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients

• The Salad Base:
  • 16 ounces rotini pasta (or fusilli/bow ties)
  • 3/4 English cucumber, diced (no need to peel)
  • 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 bell pepper (red or orange), diced
  • 1/2 cup sliced pitted olives (Kalamata or black)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion
• The Greek Dressing:
  • 1 cup store-bought Greek dressing OR Homemade:
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Joanna Gaines Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

1. Make the dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until emulsified. (If using store-bought, just shake the bottle!).
2. Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rotini according to the package directions until al dente—cooked through but still firm to the bite. Do not overcook, or the salad will be mushy.
3. Rinse and cool: Drain the pasta and immediately rinse it under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and cools the noodles down so they don’t melt the cheese or wilt the vegetables. Shake off as much excess water as possible.
4. Chop the veg: While the pasta drains, dice the cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Halve the grape tomatoes.
5. Combine: In a very large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
6. Dress it: Pour the dressing over the salad. Toss gently but thoroughly until every noodle and vegetable is coated in the vinaigrette.
7. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This resting time allows the pasta to marinate and the flavors to meld together.

Recipe Tips!

• The Rinse Rule: Pasta salad is the only time you should rinse your pasta! Rinsing removes the surface starch that makes hot pasta sticky. For salad, you want the noodles to be loose and non-sticky so they toss easily with the veggies.
• Marinate the Onion: If raw red onion is too sharp for you, let the diced onion sit in the dressing for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. The vinegar will “pickle” it slightly, taking away the harsh bite.
• Block Feta: Buy a block of feta in brine and crumble it yourself. It is creamier, tangier, and less dry than the pre-crumbled stuff in tubs.
• Make it a Meal: This salad is a fantastic base! Add grilled chicken strips, chickpeas, or salami cubes to turn it into a complete, protein-packed lunch.

What To Serve With Joanna Gaines Greek Pasta Salad Recipe?

This Joanna Gaines Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is the ultimate barbecue side dish! It pairs beautifully with Grilled Chicken Kabobs or simple Burgers. For a Mediterranean spread, serve it alongside Hummus and Pita Chips or a platter of Grilled Lamb Chops! It is also refreshing enough to serve as a light lunch on its own with a slice of crusty bread.

How To Store Joanna Gaines Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The vegetables will stay surprisingly crisp.
• Refresh: Pasta acts like a sponge and will drink up the dressing as it sits. If the salad looks dry the next day, drizzle with a little extra olive oil or a splash of vinegar to wake it up.
• Freeze: Do not freeze! The fresh vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes) will turn into mush when thawed.

Joanna Gaines Greek Pasta Salad Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Protein: 8g

Nutrition information is estimated per serving.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Joanna Gaines Brussel Sprout Salad Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Pasta Salad Recipe
• Joanna Gaines Chicken Salad Recipe