Ola my friend! Do you need a flavor bursting side dish for July 4th’s holiday festivities? If so, then I have you covered. I call this pasta salad the Super Greek Pasta Salad. It is super because it has all of the right vegetables your body loves and the perfect colors are so inviting. You may find yourself munching on this salad unconsciously so be careful. This greek pasta salad recipe will not let you down.
I personally think preparing this salad the night before or several hours before you will eat it will be so worth it. This way the the veggies and pasta can soak in the dressing. A big thank you to i heart vegetables for your guidance in making an Easy Greek Salad Dressing. You can only imagine how relieved I felt learning that Greek dressing can be so simple yet delicious. My heart was racing from this justification. A dressing does not have to be store-brought to be so good! You will be so elated.
Super Greek Pasta Salad Ingredients & Prep
Greek Pasta Salad
- 1 lb Rotini Pasta (100% Duram Wheat)
- Red Kale (small leafy bush)
- 2 large Cucumbers
- Pickled Bell Peppers (homemade)
- 6 Roma Tomatoes
- 2 cans Black Olives
- 2 medium Red Onions
- 1 can Beets
- Follow Your Heart Dairy-Free Feta Crumbles
- 1 can Chickpeas (optional)
- Greek Salad Dressing (homemade)
- Gather all ingredients and tools
- Add water to large pot and place on high heat
- Add pasta to water once it starts boiling
- Allow pasta to boil for 8-10 minutes
- Pour pasta in strainer and rinse with cold water for several seconds
- Add pasta to large bowl and set aside
- Wash and rinse all vegetables well
- Cut red kale finely and add to pasta bowl
- Chop cucumbers, red onions, Roma tomatoes, and bell peppers per your desired size and add to pasta bowl. I prefer small sizes.
- Rinse olives from can with cool water, chop into fours, and add to pasta salad. You can leave them whole are cut in half per your liking. I prefer small sizes in this salad.
- Add Greek Salad Dressing and stir or toss well.
- Top with chickpeas (optional), beets, and vegan feta cheese.
- Place in refrigerator for a few hours and serve.
Pickled Bell Peppers
- 1 large Bell pepper
- 1/4 tsp Pink Himalayan Salt
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1/4 cup White Vinegar
- 2 tsp of Water
- Wash and rinse bell pepper well
- Cut into slices
- Add to bowl of vinegar mix
- Place in refrigerator and allow to pickle at least overnight but the longer the better ( for the best at least 2 weeks)
Notes
- Feel free to use banana peppers instead of pickled bell peppers.
- Cut red onions in large chucks in let sit in a bowl of water for approximately 10 minutes. They are sweet and blend well in the salad.
- Feel free to add more or less of the salad dressing per your preferences
- Always take the liberty to adjust the quantities per your discretion and / or tastes
- The pickled bell pepper surprisingly tasted really pickled after a few hours in the vinegar marinade (for those with little lead time like me)
Super Greek Pasta Salad Gallery
Health Benefits
Beets or beet roots are a superfood in my book for sure. Here’s my favorite for beets:
- a blood pressure regulator (a shot of beet juice never fails and the results are quick)
- increase stamina (perfect for the work out)
- immune system booster (POW!)
- amazing source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Potassium and Fiber (among many others)
- excellent digestive supporter (thank you fiber)
- healthy natural sweetener (so perfect for smoothies)
- fantastic brain food (contains nitrates which improves brain neuroplasticity)
Read more details here and here.
Until Next Time
Well, what do you think? Will this greek pasta salad make it to your table as a side dish this July 4th? It is really good anytime you want to shake things up a bit in your life. Please drop a comment below or email me. I would love to hear your feedback and/or stories. The great thing about this salad is that it is vegan and healthier than most pasta salads. If you are curious about going vegan and what you can expect, then check out my list of 8 Amazing Things Happened Going Vegan & Pescatarian for 8 Months.
Well, I will take my leave for now. I look forward to our time together again soon. Be inspired to have an appetite to Live and Live well.
Adaeze
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