Simple Greek Pasta Salad

Warmer weather is here, so that means pasta salads will soon be showing up at picnics, barbecues, potlucks, pool parties, and summer get togethers.

They're perfect for many occasions, and this side dish in particular is a real crowd pleaser. This simple Greek pasta salad has a homemade red wine vinaigrette dressing that makes it something special.

Simple Greek Pasta Salad

12 oz. bow tie pasta, cooked al dente
2/3 cup sliced red onion
15 cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup black olives, halved
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp Italian seasoning
3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
salt and pepper, to taste

1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. While pasta cools, make the dressing.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, sugar, oregano, and Italian seasoning.
3. Add chopped vegetables to the bowl with the pasta and toss. 
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables and stir to combine. Refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.
5. When ready to serve, add the feta cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Toss the pasta salad again, and drizzle lightly with olive oil and vinegar if the pasta salad seems to have soaked up too much of the dressing.
6. Serve cold or at room temperature.

This one won't stick around for long!

If you're interested in some new side dish recipes to try for your next get together, give one of these a try:

• Southwest Pasta Salad
• Southern Potato Salad
• Miss Daisy's Frozen Cherry Salad
• Greek Chickpea Salad