If you’re craving a vibrant, fresh, and satisfying salad that captures the essence of the Mediterranean in every bite, then you are absolutely going to adore this Horiatiki Pasta Salad Recipe. Packed with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and tender pasta tossed in a zesty dressing, this dish is a delightful twist on the classic Greek salad. It’s perfect for warm days, potlucks, or whenever you want a colorful meal that’s as delicious as it is beautiful on the plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients makes this Horiatiki Pasta Salad Recipe come to life. Each element brings its own unique flavor, texture, and vibrant color that work together to create an irresistible dish.
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini): Choose your favorite shape to hold the dressing and mix well with the veggies.
- 1 cucumber, diced: Adds a refreshing crunch and coolness to balance savory flavors.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with sweetness and juiciness for a pop of color.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Brings a mild sharpness that amplifies the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced: Adds a bold, salty depth that is signature to Greek cuisine.
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional): Creamy and tangy, it enriches the dish but can be left out for a vegan-friendly option.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Quality olive oil is essential for a rich, smooth dressing.
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar: Provides just the right amount of tang to brighten every bite.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Adds fresh acidity to balance the olive oil and bring freshness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: A fragrant herb that ties the Mediterranean flavors together beautifully.
- Salt, to taste: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
How to Make Horiatiki Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it is perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and spread it out to cool slightly—this prevents it from sticking together and ensures your salad stays light and fresh.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Vegetables
While the pasta cools, prepare your fresh veggies. Dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives. Add all these vibrant ingredients to a large mixing bowl for the perfect colorful base.
Step 3: Mix in the Pasta
Once the pasta has cooled, add it directly to the bowl of fresh vegetables. This step helps blend all the textures and flavors for a delightful harmony in every forkful.
Step 4: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice over the salad. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, so every piece is lightly coated in the beautiful Mediterranean dressing.
Step 5: Add the Feta Cheese
Finish the salad with a generous crumble of feta cheese on top if you’re using it. This creamy, salty addition elevates the salad to something truly special and authentic.
Step 6: Chill and Marinate
Place the salad in the fridge and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is key because it lets all the flavors meld together, marrying the tartness, creaminess, and freshness into one harmonious dish.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Your Horiatiki Pasta Salad Recipe is now ready to serve. It’s best enjoyed chilled to keep that crisp, refreshing taste that makes it so perfect for sunny days or any Mediterranean-inspired meal.
How to Serve Horiatiki Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation and an extra layer of flavor, garnish your salad with fresh herbs like parsley or basil. A sprinkle of additional oregano or a handful of pine nuts can also add wonderful texture and aroma. These simple touches make your salad feel more festive and thoughtfully prepared.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled meats such as chicken souvlaki or lamb kebabs, as well as seafood like grilled shrimp or calamari. For a lighter meal, serve alongside warm pita bread and a dollop of hummus to create a complete Mediterranean feast that everyone will admire.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering the Horiatiki Pasta Salad in clear glass jars or serving it in mini bowls for a party. You can also turn it into a vibrant pasta salad platter by arranging the components artistically before tossing, allowing guests to mix their own portions. Presentation can turn a simple meal into an unforgettable experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This pasta salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often develop even more after resting overnight. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing and fresh ingredients.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended. The fresh vegetables and feta cheese may become watery or lose their crisp texture after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days stored chilled.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t necessary or advised. Simply serve it straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying to bring out the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or rotini are preferred because their shapes hold onto the dressing well, but feel free to use any pasta you love or have on hand.
How can I make this salad vegan?
Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a plant-based cheese alternative. The salad is still bursting with flavor and freshness without the dairy.
Is it okay to prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, making it a few hours or even the day before serving is ideal to allow the flavors to fully meld together. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a gentle toss before serving.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives?
If Kalamata olives aren’t available, you can use black olives or green olives, though Kalamata provides the most authentic briny pop that complements the salad’s other ingredients.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Ingredients like bell peppers, radishes, or even artichoke hearts can add exciting textures and flavors while staying true to the salad’s Mediterranean roots.
Final Thoughts
This Horiatiki Pasta Salad Recipe is a true celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients and lively Mediterranean flavors all tossed into one irresistible dish. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, an easy side, or a crowd-pleaser at a party, this salad never disappoints. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it with friends, and make it a new favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Horiatiki Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Horiatiki Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender cooked pasta with fresh vegetables, Kalamata olives, and a tangy dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Crumbled feta cheese adds a creamy, salty touch, making this salad perfect as a light meal or side dish, especially enjoyed chilled.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional for a vegan version)
Dressing
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly to avoid wilting the fresh vegetables.
- Combine Vegetables and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and sliced Kalamata olives, mixing gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice over the salad to infuse it with fresh, tangy flavors.
- Season: Sprinkle dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper over the mixture. Toss gently to combine all the flavors without breaking up the vegetables.
- Add Feta Cheese: If using, scatter the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad, adding a creamy and salty contrast to the fresh vegetables.
- Chill: Cover and place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the pasta salad chilled as a delightful Mediterranean side dish or a light and nourishing meal on its own.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing with the vegetables to prevent sogginess.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like parsley or basil for additional flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad suitable for gluten-free diets.
