Zesty Greek Rigatoni Pasta Salad Recipe for Summer Gatherings

Summer gatherings buzz with excitement when a delightful greek rigatoni pasta salad arrives at the table.

Mediterranean flavors dance through each colorful bite, promising a refreshing meal.

Crisp vegetables mingle with tender pasta, creating a symphony of textures.

Tangy feta cheese adds a creamy richness that makes this dish irresistible.

Fresh herbs sprinkle a burst of aromatic goodness across every forkful.

Cool and vibrant, this recipe brings memories of sunny greek islands right to your plate.

FAQs

• What makes Greek Rigatoni Pasta Salad different from other pasta salads?

This salad uses classic Mediterranean ingredients like feta cheese, olives, cucumber, and a tangy red wine vinegar dressing, which give it a distinctive Greek flavor profile compared to traditional mayonnaise-based pasta salads.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad is perfect for preparing in advance. You can make it up to a day before serving, which actually allows the flavors to blend and intensify in the refrigerator.

• Is this pasta salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! The recipe is completely vegetarian and packed with fresh vegetables, cheese, and a zesty dressing. It’s a great option for vegetarian meals or side dishes.

• How can I add protein to this salad?

You can easily add protein by including grilled chicken, chickpeas, or cubed grilled tofu to make it more substantial and filling while maintaining its Mediterranean character.

Features That Make Greek Rigatoni Pasta Salad So Lively

• Boost Convenience: Whip up this pasta salad effortlessly with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills required.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Experience a delightful mix of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and creamy feta that creates an irresistible mouthfeel.
• Mediterranean Flavor Explosion: Dive into a vibrant dish packed with zesty dressing, tangy olives, and fresh herbs that transport your taste buds to the Greek coastline.
• Quick Meal Prep Champion: Prepare ahead and store in the refrigerator, making it perfect for busy weekdays, potlucks, or spontaneous gatherings with friends.

Greek Rigatoni Pasta Salad Pantry List

• Rigatoni Pasta: Classic tube-shaped pasta perfect for holding dressing.

• Cherry Tomatoes, Cucumber: Juicy and crisp Mediterranean vegetable mix.
• Red Onion: Sharp and zesty flavor enhancer.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy and crumbly Greek cheese.
• Olives: Salty Mediterranean flavor burst.

• Olive Oil: Smooth Mediterranean base.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Bright and acidic flavor component.
• Dijon Mustard: Creamy and tangy dressing binder.

• Oregano, Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Classic Greek seasoning blend.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green garnish with fresh herb taste.

Greek Rigatoni Pasta Salad Preparation

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook rigatoni in a large pot of salted water until perfectly tender. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down quickly.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar
• Dijon mustard
• Dried oregano
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until they form a smooth, vibrant dressing.

Step 3: Chop Fresh Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes
• Cucumber
• Kalamata olives
• Red onion
• Feta cheese

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Vegetables

In a spacious mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Pour the prepared Greek dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently stir to ensure every bite is coated with delicious flavors.

Step 6: Chill and Enhance

Refrigerate the pasta salad for about 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle and intensify.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving. Enjoy the salad chilled or at room temperature for a perfect Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Pasta Salad Tips for a Greek-Inspired Rigatoni Win

• Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the pasta salad for 20-30 minutes to enhance the flavor blend and allow ingredients to marinate together perfectly.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook rigatoni al dente and rinse with cold water immediately to stop cooking and prevent sticky, mushy texture.
• Customize Crunch: Add extra texture by including crisp bell peppers or toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch and nutty dimension.
• Make Ahead Magic: Prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance, which actually improves the taste as herbs and dressing thoroughly infuse the ingredients.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap feta with vegan cheese alternatives or omit for a dairy-free version, and use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly adaptation.

Preserving Greek Rigatoni Pasta Salad for Later

• Store pasta salad in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Feta cheese and fresh vegetables might change texture upon thawing.
• Best enjoyed cold. If wanting warm version, gently microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Avoid overheating to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.
• Add fresh herbs or a splash of olive oil before serving to revive flavors and restore texture after refrigeration. Discard if any sour smell or unusual appearance develops.

Mediterranean Matches for Rigatoni Pasta

• Pair with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Light, zesty white wine with herbal notes perfectly complements the tangy Greek dressing and fresh Mediterranean ingredients.
• Match with Kalamata Olive Bread: Rustic, hearty bread with rich olive flavor enhances the salad's Greek profile and provides a delightful textural contrast.
• Select Greek-Style Rosé: Dry, refreshing rosé with subtle strawberry undertones balances the salty feta and acidic tomatoes, creating a harmonious summer meal experience.
• Add Grilled Chicken Skewers: Herb-marinated chicken adds protein and Mediterranean flair, transforming the pasta salad into a complete, satisfying main course.

Greek Pasta Salad Twists

• Vegan Greek Pasta Salad: Replace feta cheese with cashew or tofu-based vegan cheese, use plant-based yogurt in dressing, and add extra protein like chickpeas or roasted tempeh cubes.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Pasta Salad: Substitute rigatoni with gluten-free rice or chickpea pasta, ensuring all other ingredients remain naturally gluten-free like olives, vegetables, and herbs.
• Low-Carb Greek Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, maintain original dressing and vegetable mix for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced alternative.
• Protein-Packed Greek Pasta Salad: Add grilled chicken, sliced salami, or canned tuna to boost protein content, keeping the classic Mediterranean flavor profile intact.

Greek Rigatoni Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance through this Greek rigatoni pasta salad, celebrating classic Greek ingredients with a modern twist. Crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and herbed dressing create a refreshing summer dish you can savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Additional Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings/Garnish:

(No additional seasonings specified in original recipe)

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Instructions

1. Transform the rigatoni into perfectly tender tubes by immersing them in a generously salted boiling water bath, cooking until they reach an ideal al dente consistency. Quickly halt the cooking process by rinsing under cold water, ensuring a crisp texture.
2. Craft a vibrant Mediterranean dressing by vigorously whisking olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, crumbled oregano, minced garlic, and a harmonious blend of salt and black pepper until the mixture becomes a unified, aromatic emulsion.
3. In a spacious mixing vessel, orchestrate a colorful medley by combining the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, briny Kalamata olives, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
4. Lavish the assembled ingredients with the prepared Greek-inspired dressing, gently folding and turning to ensure each component is elegantly coated with the zesty vinaigrette.
5. Allow the salad to rest in the refrigerator, permitting the flavors to intertwine and intensify for approximately 20 minutes, transforming the dish into a more profound culinary experience.
6. Elevate the presentation by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface, creating a verdant garnish that adds a final burst of freshness before serving the dish either chilled or at ambient temperature.

Notes

• Choose rigatoni with ridges to help the dressing cling better and enhance overall flavor absorption.
• Rinsing pasta with cold water stops the cooking process and prevents mushy texture, ensuring a perfect al dente bite.
• Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow ingredients to marinate and develop a more intense Mediterranean taste.
• Easily make this salad vegan by replacing feta with plant-based cheese or adding roasted chickpeas for protein.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg