Chopped Greek Pasta Salad
Quick and refreshing Greek pasta salad with creamy feta dressing, crisp vegetables, and briny olives. Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, and busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups small pasta ditalini, cavatelli, or shells, dry (8 oz)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
- 3/4 cup marinated artichoke hearts roughly chopped
- 1/2 medium English cucumber finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/3 cup black olives pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill or parsley finely chopped (or mix both)
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- For the Zesty Feta Dressing:
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 Tbsp feta cheese crumbled
- 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 clove garlic fresh
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Fill a large pot with water and add 1 tablespoon salt per gallon.
- Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (8-10 minutes for small shapes).
- Drain immediately in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold running water.
- Transfer to a large mixing bowl and drizzle with a small amount of olive oil. Toss gently.
- Make the Creamy Feta Dressing:
- Add olive oil, crumbled feta, apple cider vinegar, pressed garlic clove, honey, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt to a blender or food processor.
- Blend on high for 30-45 seconds until completely smooth and creamy with no feta chunks visible.
- Alternative: Mash feta with a fork until super fine, then whisk in remaining ingredients vigorously.
- Assemble the Salad:
- Add cherry tomatoes, chopped artichokes, cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta, and sliced olives to the bowl with cooled pasta.
- Season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Pour feta dressing over everything and mix thoroughly using two large spoons until all ingredients are well coated.
- Finish and Chill:
- Sprinkle fresh herbs over the top and give one final gentle toss.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Pasta Tips: Small pasta shapes work best for balanced bites. Rinsing with cold water prevents clumping and stops the cooking process.
Make Ahead: Prepare up to 3 days in advance. Add fresh herbs just before serving for best appearance.
Dressing Trick: Make double the dressing and reserve half for refreshing leftovers later.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The salad improves over the first 2 days.
Serving: Remove from fridge 15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Drizzle with olive oil and toss before serving.
Protein Options: Add canned tuna, chickpeas, grilled chicken, or rotisserie chicken for a complete meal.
Gluten-Free: Use chickpea pasta or brown rice pasta following package directions.
Dairy-Free: Omit both feta portions and add nutritional yeast for savory flavor.
Vegetable Swaps: Try roasted red peppers instead of artichokes, kalamata olives instead of black olives, or add diced bell peppers.Claude is AI and can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.
Make Ahead: Prepare up to 3 days in advance. Add fresh herbs just before serving for best appearance.
Dressing Trick: Make double the dressing and reserve half for refreshing leftovers later.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The salad improves over the first 2 days.
Serving: Remove from fridge 15 minutes before serving for best flavor. Drizzle with olive oil and toss before serving.
Protein Options: Add canned tuna, chickpeas, grilled chicken, or rotisserie chicken for a complete meal.
Gluten-Free: Use chickpea pasta or brown rice pasta following package directions.
Dairy-Free: Omit both feta portions and add nutritional yeast for savory flavor.
Vegetable Swaps: Try roasted red peppers instead of artichokes, kalamata olives instead of black olives, or add diced bell peppers.Claude is AI and can make mistakes. Please double-check responses.