Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives

Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives: A Flavorful Mediterranean Delight 🍝🧀🌿

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for a truly delightful and vibrant dish that perfectly embodies the sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean, look no further than Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives. This exquisite recipe masterfully combines perfectly cooked al dente pasta with juicy, ripe tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, creamy feta cheese, and a captivating burst of fresh herbs, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying lunch or a light yet fulfilling dinner, this Greek Pasta dish is an excellent choice. It’s not only incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights, but it’s also abundantly packed with essential nutrients and a symphony of authentic Mediterranean flavors. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a genuine taste of Greece from the comfort and convenience of your own kitchen with this simple yet elegant pasta creation! You can find more delicious and easy recipes on Crispsmeal.

2. Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are key to achieving the best taste.

• 8 ounces of pasta (your choice: penne, fusilli, or spaghetti). Try a whole wheat option for added fiber!
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled. Opt for Greek feta for the most authentic flavor.
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced. These provide a briny, rich taste that’s essential to the dish.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved. Look for ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor.
• 1 cucumber, diced. English cucumbers are great because they have fewer seeds.
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped. Red onion adds a nice sharpness to the pasta salad.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced. Freshly minced garlic is always best for maximum flavor.
• 1/4 cup olive oil. Extra virgin olive oil provides the best flavor and health benefits.
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar. This adds a tangy contrast to the rich flavors.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano. A staple in Greek cooking, oregano adds an earthy aroma.
• Salt and pepper to taste. Season generously!
• Fresh parsley for garnish. Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. The salt enhances the flavor of the pasta. Once boiling vigorously, gently add the pasta of your choice and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian, indicating that the pasta should be firm but not crunchy. Once cooked, immediately drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Be sure to save a bit of the pasta water; you might need it later to adjust the sauce’s consistency in your Greek Pasta. For more amazing dinner options, check out our dinner recipes.

Step 2: Prepare the Vibrant Salad Mixture

In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced Kalamata olives. This combination of fresh ingredients is what lends a vibrant and refreshing touch to your Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives. Ensure that the vegetables are uniformly cut to ensure an even distribution of flavors in every single bite. Using high-quality Kalamata olives will make a significant difference. You can find different salad recipes like this one on our website.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics to Awaken the Flavors

In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is sufficiently heated, add the minced garlic and finely chopped red onion to the skillet. Sauté these aromatics until the red onion becomes beautifully translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This step is absolutely crucial for deeply enhancing the overall flavors of your Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The goal is to gently infuse the oil with its flavor. For more information about Greek flavors you can check this external link.

Step 4: Harmoniously Combine All the Ingredients

In a large serving bowl, gently combine the cooked pasta, the sautéed garlic and onion mixture, the fresh salad mixture, the crumbled feta cheese (ensuring it’s evenly distributed), and the dried oregano. Toss everything together carefully, while adding the red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to your personal taste preferences. For that extra touch of distinctive Mediterranean flair and visual appeal, garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley before serving your delectable Greek Pasta! If it seems dry, add a little of the reserved pasta water. Explore different recipes and find your new favorites.

4. Storage Tips

To ensure your prepared Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives remains at its optimal freshness and flavor, promptly store any leftovers in a well-sealed, airtight container. Then, place the container in the refrigerator, where it can be stored safely for up to a maximum of 3 days. In fact, storing it overnight can actually enhance the flavors, as they meld together even more, making the dish even more delicious on the following day.

5. Serving Suggestions

This delightfully versatile Mediterranean dish can be served either warm, immediately after preparation, or chilled, making it exceptionally adaptable to your personal preferences and the prevailing weather conditions. For a more substantial and protein-packed meal, consider pairing it with a serving of freshly grilled chicken or tender fish. Alternatively, you can enjoy it as a light and refreshing main course, perhaps topped with an additional generous sprinkling of creamy feta cheese and a vibrant sprinkle of aromatic fresh herbs. This easy recipe is a light and flavorful option.

6. FAQs

Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute regular pasta with your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta in this Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives recipe. The flavor and texture will remain wonderfully intact, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delicious dish, regardless of dietary restrictions.

What other types of vegetables can I add to customize the flavor profile?

You have the freedom to further enhance and customize this already delicious pasta dish by incorporating other vegetables based on your liking and what you have readily available. Some excellent options include colorful bell peppers (such as red, yellow, or orange), fresh spinach for added nutrients, or tender artichoke hearts, which will bring a unique flavor dimension to the dish.

Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance to save time, and how would it affect the taste?

Yes, you can certainly streamline your meal preparation process by making Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives ahead of time. In fact, the flavors will meld and intensify as it sits, resulting in an even more delicious and harmonious taste experience after it has had ample time to blend together. This makes it an ideal dish for meal prepping or preparing for gatherings. Learn more about me and explore my recipes.

7. Conclusion

Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives is not only a remarkably quick and easy dish to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it’s also an absolute feast for all of your senses. Overflowing with fresh, invigorating flavors and delightful textures, this recipe is virtually guaranteed to become an instant favorite within your household. So go ahead and share this delightful taste of the Mediterranean with your beloved friends and cherished family members, and be sure to savor each and every single delectable bite!

Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives

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• Author: Maria
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives. This delightful dish combines al dente pasta with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, creamy feta, and fresh herbs, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

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Ingredients

• 8 ounces of pasta (your choice: penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced Kalamata olives.
3. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely chopped red onion, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
4. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sautéed garlic and onion, salad mixture, crumbled feta cheese, and dried oregano. Toss everything together, adding red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

• To keep leftovers fresh, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Serve warm or cold; pairs well with grilled chicken or fish.
• Gluten-free pasta can be used in this recipe.
• Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean