April 24, 2024

The Best Fresh Summer Greek Pasta Salad

Summer is just around the corner and I'm starting to pull out all my summer recipes to avoid heating up the house with the oven. This fresh Greek Pasta Salad is the perfect summer recipe!

It is easy to make, packed with nutrients and full of amazing flavors.

Let's dive into the ingredients to better understand what makes this recipe so great (or use the link on the sidebar to just jump to the recipe!).

Greek Pasta Salad Ingredient Breakdown

Whole Grain Pasta (16 oz.):

First we have our whole grain pasta. MyPlate recommends we make half of our grains "whole". Switching your pasta to whole grain is a great way to do this! It is typically the same (or close to) cost. Plus, whole grain pasta has a really great nutty flavor to it.

Why do we want whole grains? There are a lot of great reasons! Here are two:

Whole grain pasta contains more fiber than white pasta. Fiber is important for digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar levels, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness.

Whole grain pasta retains more of the original nutrients from the wheat kernel compared to white pasta, which is more refined and stripped of many nutrients during processing. Whole grain pasta can contain vitamins like B vitamins (e.g., niacin, riboflavin, thiamine) and minerals such as magnesium, iron, and zinc.

Cucumbers (2 cups, peeled and diced):

Did you know cucumbers are 95% water?? They are a great way to stay hydrated, refreshed and replenished.

Packed with vitamins and minerals like vitamin K, vitamin C, and potassium, cucumbers promote healthy bones, immune function, and electrolyte balance. They're low in calories and high in fiber, aiding in digestion and contributing to satiety. Plus, their antioxidant properties help fight inflammation, making cucumbers a simple yet effective addition to a balanced diet for overall wellness.

Zucchini (2 cups, diced):

Zucchini, often dubbed as summer squash, also has a high water content and low calorie count. Packed with nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium, zucchini promotes immune health, vision, and electrolyte balance. Its fiber content aids digestion and contributes to a feeling of fullness.

Red Onion (½ cup, finely chopped):

Red onions are colorful and tasty, but they're also good for you! They have antioxidants that help your body stay healthy by fighting inflammation and boosting your immune system. Red onions can also help your heart by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. They're low in calories and high in vitamins C and B6, which are great for your skin and energy. Plus, they have fiber that's good for your digestion and prebiotics that feed the good bacteria in your gut.

Fresh Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

1 box (16 oz.) whole grain pasta
2 cups cucumbers, peeled and diced
2 cups zucchini, diced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup black olives, thinly sliced
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled

Dressing for Greek pasta salad:

6 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
3 Tbsp. olive oil
3 Tbsp. water
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. oregano
Pepper to taste

Directions:

Whisk dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside. Cook pasta accordingly to package instructions. Drain. Allow to cool slightly.

Combine cooked pasta, vegetables, and feta in a large bowl. Pour dressing over salad. Mix to combine. Serve immediately or allow to sit in the refrigerator. Great served cold or at room temperature.

greek pasta salad recipe