Description
Greek Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish featuring crisp vegetables, savory smoked turkey slices, and creamy plant-based cheese. This vibrant and colorful salad blends fresh flavors and textures for a quick, wholesome meal perfect for lunches, picnics, or sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups cooked rotini or penne pasta
Vegetables & Protein
- 1 cup crisp cucumbers, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup red bell peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup smoked turkey slices, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup plant-based feta style cheese, crumbled
Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil (natural)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Cook and cool the pasta: Boil your chosen pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta quickly. This keeps the salad light and prevents mushiness.
- Prepare the vegetables and smoked turkey: Chop cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Slice the smoked turkey into thin strips for even flavor distribution.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), dried oregano (natural), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, smoked turkey, black olives, and crumbled plant-based feta style cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well to coat everything evenly.
- Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and serve cold for a refreshing taste.
Notes
- Use cold pasta to maintain the salad’s refreshing texture.
- Season vegetables and turkey with salt and pepper before mixing for better flavor layers.
- Start with less dressing to avoid soggy pasta and add more if desired.
- Chop vegetables evenly to ensure balanced flavor in each bite.
- Allow the salad to rest chilled to enhance flavor blending.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No cooking method required after boiling pasta
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Greek pasta salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey, Mediterranean salad, quick pasta salad, healthy pasta salad
