Greek Pasta Salad with Cucumbers and Artichoke Hearts 🍝🥒💚

This vibrant and refreshing Greek Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for warm weather gatherings or as a light meal any time of the year. Bursting with flavors from fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and zesty dressing, it's both satisfying and healthy! It's also super easy to make and can be customized to your heart's desire. Enjoy it on its own, or serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. 🥗✨

Ingredients

For the pasta salad

• 8 oz (about 2 cups) of rotini or penne pasta
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

For the dressing

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.

🧊 Rinsing the pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and helps to keep the pasta from becoming mushy.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, artichoke hearts, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.

• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

• Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mixture and pour the dressing over it. Toss everything gently until well Combined.

🥄 Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning. If you like a bit more acidity, add more lemon juice or vinegar!

• Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

• Before serving, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Variations

• Gluten-free: Substitute the pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
• Vegan: Omit the feta cheese, or replace it with a vegan alternative. You can also add additional veggies like bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra crunch.
• Protein-packed: Consider adding grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp for an added protein boost to make it more filling.
• Herbaceous twist: Mix in a variety of fresh herbs such as dill, basil, or mint for an aromatic flair.

Enjoy your Greek Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature! It’s a dish that brings the sunshine right to your table, no matter the season! 🌞🥗