Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of Greece with our tantalizing Greek pasta salad, a delightful symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the heart of the Mediterranean. This vibrant salad boasts a medley of colorful ingredients, including succulent tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, juicy olives, and aromatic feta cheese, all tossed in a delectable tahini dressing that brings together the essence of Greek cuisine. But that's not all, this versatile recipe offers three additional variations to suit your preferences: a vegan version with creamy avocado and tangy lemon dressing, a protein-packed edition featuring succulent grilled chicken, and a vibrant roasted vegetable variant bursting with flavors. Get ready to indulge in a refreshing and satisfying meal that captures the vibrant spirit of Greece!
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EASY GREEK PASTA SALAD
My mother-in-law gave me this great recipe, and I have made it many times. I've taken it to church picnics and potlucks, and someone always asks for the recipe. -Laura Freeman, Ruffin, North Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch
Time 20m
Yield 4 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a serving bowl, combine the pasta, turkey, olives, peppers and feta cheese. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
Nutrition Facts :
TAHINI-PARMESAN PASTA SALAD
Many traditional pasta salad recipes call for a heavy mayonnaise-based dressing, but this one combines tahini and Parmesan for a lighter, umami-packed dressing that can be used on noodles, salad greens, asparagus, grilled chicken or grains. Tahini and Parmesan may be a surprising duo, but they naturally work well together because tahini, which is made from sesame seeds, amplifies the cheese's rich, nutty flavor. To add even more complexity, cherry tomatoes are blistered in a skillet to concentrate their sweetness and acidity. As with any good pasta salad, this one benefits from adding fresh scallions and mint right before serving, plus toasted sesame seeds and shards of Parmesan.
Provided by Ali Slagle
Categories dinner, lunch, weekday, pastas, main course, side dish
Time 45m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When the water's boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high. Add the tomatoes, season with salt, and cook, shaking occasionally, until charred and wrinkly, 4 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl to cool.
- In a liquid measuring cup, stir together the tahini and grated Parmesan; season with salt and pepper. (Mixture will be thick.) When the pasta is drained, add 1/2 cup pasta water to the dressing and stir until smooth. Add the pasta to the bowl with the tomatoes, then stir in enough dressing to coat. (You won't use all of it just yet.) Let cool for 15 minutes or up to 3 hours at room temperature.
- When ready to eat, stir the rest of the dressing into the pasta. Stir in water (reserved pasta water or tap) as needed until the pasta is glossy and creamy. Stir in the mint, scallions, sesame seeds and chopped Parmesan, reserving a little for garnish if desired. Season to taste with salt, pepper and a drizzle of olive oil.
TAHINI DRESSING
I like to serve this tahini dressing over a salad of romaine lettuce, baby red potatoes, asparagus and snap peas. It's a healthy and tasty way to start a meal. Don't miss these other
Provided by Taste of Home
Time 5m
Yield 1-1/4 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Place all ingredients in a blender; cover and process until blended.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 88 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 0 cholesterol, Sodium 62mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the flavor of your pasta salad.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta is best for pasta salad, so cook it according to the package directions and then drain and rinse it immediately.
- Choose a variety of vegetables: This will add color, flavor, and texture to your pasta salad. Some good choices include tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, bell peppers, and artichoke hearts.
- Make sure the dressing is well-balanced: The dressing should be flavorful and creamy, but not too heavy. A good balance of olive oil, lemon juice, tahini, and Greek yogurt is a good starting point.
- Season the pasta salad to taste: Once you've added all of the ingredients, taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or tahini.
Conclusion:
Greek pasta salad with tahini dressing is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for summer gatherings. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own preferences. With its bright flavors and healthy ingredients, this pasta salad is sure to be a hit at your next party or potluck.
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