It’s always a treat to come up with something quick and so delicious. Easy? Yep, it’s that too. I almost always make my own vinaigrette’s (oh, I have a good one coming next week!) – I mentioned this Greek Pasta Salad recipe in a Thanksgiving post. I mentioned that I try to take something (having a food allergy) that I can eat if it turns out there isn’t something that I can be sure is allergen-free. Great time saver on this one, and wow, was it ever good!

Quick and easy, and good for a few days (if it’ll last that long) – this go around, I opted for a time saver and whoa, it was amazing. Ken’s Simply Vinaigrette Greek flavor, link HERE.

This is how I made it, however, the possibilities are endless – in the summer I might opt for a few thin slices of Genoa salami, sliced in matchsticks, maybe some thinly sliced cheese sliced the same way. Also, after looking back, I wish I would have served this with arugula (or spinach), it gives it oomph and a peppery flavor that can’t be beat, just toss it to coat the arugula in dressing (I don’t use a lot).

GREEK PASTA SALAD (COLD)

• 1/2 pound bowtie pasta (I like Trader Joe’s, it seems thinner) – cooked and drained
• Ken’s Simply Greek Vinaigrette (at most grocery stores)
• Grape tomatoes, sliced (I used a carton)
• Banana pepper, chopped small (I used about 1/2)
• 1/2 English cucumber, partially peeled, chopped into medium hunks
• Kalamata olives, I put some in whole and chopped a few others
• Feta cheese, crumbled
• Pickled Beets (cold) or just beets (cold), sliced into small pieces
• Pickled Red Onion (Link to recipe)
• A sprinkle of dill would be fabulous, or not…
• Arugula or spinach (not pictured)

Add cooked and drained pasta (I gave it a QUICK swirl of cold water to stop cooking), then add some of the vinaigrette and toss to coat the pasta.

Add the tomato, banana pepper, cucumbers, olives. Toss.

Add the beauty: feta cheese, crumbled over the top, then sprinkle those gorgeous beets around and top with pickled red onion. Whoa.

GORGEOUS. So beautiful that I neglected to include the darn beets until it was too late (photo would not have been pretty since I had eaten a good bit before we realized we forgot the darn beets).

You can gently toss, add more dressing if needed. #whoa

Hope you enjoy – let me know if you try a spectacular version!

🍽️ Until next time…

Please note: I am not a professional recipe writer/creator. Most of the time I share a recipe created by a professional (with a link to the original recipe) along with any changes that I have made to the recipe. My motto is to add the ingredients you like and skip those you don’t. As for quantities, in some recipes add more of what you love, less (or none) of what you are less fond of. #youbeyou #makeyourownchanges #youneverknowwhatyoullcomeupwith