Discover the joy of cooking with this vibrant and creamy Whipped Feta Greek Pasta Salad recipe, brought to life by The Stay At Home Chef. Combining the fresh, bold flavors of a traditional Greek salad with tender pasta and a luscious whipped feta dressing, this dish is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, or a light, satisfying lunch. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just diving into recipes, this recipe is sure to bring smiles and requests for seconds.
Getting Started: The Base of the Salad
Begin by boiling one pound of rotini pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, following the package directions. Rotini’s spiral shape is ideal for holding onto the creamy dressing and all the fresh vegetable goodness. While the pasta cooks, it’s time to prep the vibrant veggies that make this salad truly shine.
Fresh Vegetables for a Classic Greek Flavor
- Half of a red onion, finely diced
- One red bell pepper, diced (red adds a subtle sweetness)
- One cucumber, diced (peel on or off, your choice)
- One pint of cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
- Half a cup of sliced kalamata olives
These ingredients capture the essence of a traditional Greek salad, but with a delicious twist: pasta! Once the pasta is drained, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and toss it with a quarter cup of red wine vinegar while still warm. This simple step allows the pasta to soak up tangy, vibrant flavor, adding a bright bite to every forkful.
The Star of the Show: Whipped Feta Dressing
The magic of this salad lies in the whipped feta dressing—a creamy, herby concoction that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary. Made in a blender for smoothness, the dressing combines:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons freshly minced basil
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh mint
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Fresh herbs bring a bright, lively flavor to the dressing, but if you prefer dried herbs, simply use one-third the amount for each. Blend everything until smooth and creamy, adding a splash of water if needed to achieve a drizzleable consistency. The goal is a thick, luscious dressing—not too runny, but easy to coat every bite.
Bringing It All Together
Now it’s time to combine all the delicious components. Add the prepped vegetables and olives to the cooled pasta, and if you want to add a boost of protein, a 15-ounce can of drained and rinsed chickpeas (garbanzo beans) fits perfectly into the mix. Drizzle the whipped feta dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each bite a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, fresh, and herby notes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Whipped Feta Greek Pasta Salad is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish. It’s quick to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes plus chilling—and perfect for potlucks, summer cookouts, or a healthy, flavorful lunch. Its creamy whipped feta dressing and fresh ingredients will have everyone asking for the recipe at your next gathering.
Whether you’re exploring new recipes or looking to impress your guests with bold Mediterranean flavors, this Greek pasta salad is a fantastic addition to your cooking repertoire. Bon appétit!
Recipe Summary
- Cook 1 pound rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and place in a large bowl.
- Toss warm pasta with 1/4 cup red wine vinegar. Let cool.
- Add diced red onion, red bell pepper, cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced kalamata olives, and optional chickpeas.
- Blend 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 cup feta, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and oregano until smooth.
- Pour dressing over pasta and veggies. Stir to coat evenly.
- Chill for at least 1 hour before serving.
For a printable version of this recipe and more cooking inspiration, visit The Stay At Home Chef's website.
This article was created from the video Whipped Feta Greek Pasta Salad with the help of AI.
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