Greek Lumache Pasta Salad
Greek Lumache Pasta Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that brings together the wonderful flavors of Greece. This pasta salad is made with lovely lumache pasta, colorful vegetables, and tangy feta cheese, making it a delightful choice for any meal. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for warm days or gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for several reasons. First, it’s quick and simple to put together, making it a great option for busy lifestyles. Secondly, it is packed with healthy ingredients, such as fresh veggies and heart-healthy olive oil. Lastly, it is a versatile salad that can be served as a side dish or a light main meal, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends.
How to Make Greek Lumache Pasta Salad
Making Greek Lumache Pasta Salad is straightforward. Follow these steps to enjoy this delicious dish.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) lumache pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or oregano, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Cook lumache pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions.
- Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is well coated.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and chill for 15–20 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Greek Lumache Pasta Salad
You can serve Greek Lumache Pasta Salad as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or as part of a picnic spread. It pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or on its own. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle more feta cheese or fresh herbs on top before serving.
How to Store Greek Lumache Pasta Salad
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld together, making it even tastier the next day. Avoid freezing the salad, as the texture of the vegetables may change.
Tips to Make Greek Lumache Pasta Salad
- Make sure to cool the pasta completely before mixing with the veggies to keep everything fresh.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for even more color and flavor.
- If you don’t like Kalamata olives, you can substitute them with green olives.
Variation
You can change up the pasta shape or even use a gluten-free pasta. Adding grilled chicken or shrimp can turn this salad into a heartier meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Bowtie or rotini pasta works well too.
2. How long can I keep the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for about 3 days.
3. Is this salad good for meal prep?
Absolutely! It’s perfect for meal prep and tastes great cold.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Greek Lumache Pasta Salad!
