This Greek pasta salad recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, and quick lunches throughout the season. It’s packed with feta, olives, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon-oregano dressing!

Here’s my favorite when it comes to pasta salad: Greek pasta salad! As a recipe creator for over ten years, I’ve crafted nearly every pasta salad you can think of. And this one tops my list!

This recipe highlights Mediterranean flavors with chewy bowtie pasta: succulent cherry tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, briny olives, and rich feta, along with generous amounts of fresh parsley and dill, plus a Greek-style vinaigrette dressing. I enjoy preparing this for picnics, cookouts, potlucks, barbecues, or even for wholesome lunches during the week.

5 Star Reader Review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This is an amazing pasta salad. It’s great for summer, and I adore bow tie pasta. Thank you!” -Odile

Ingredients in Greek Pasta Salad
The idea of pasta salad is a creation from America, as you might surmise! One of the earliest print mentions is a macaroni salad recipe from 1914, though it gained significant popularity during the 1980s.

The most prevalent type of American pasta salad is Italian: the version with olives, mozzarella, and an Italian-style dressing. Greek pasta salad is again distinctly American, but includes Greek-style ingredients like tomatoes, cucumber, olives, feta cheese, and dill. Here are the components you’ll need for a Greek pasta salad recipe:

Bowtie pasta (farfalle): My preferred shape for this dish: the little ruffles hold the dressing well and are enjoyable to eat.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved so every bite offers a juicy explosion.
English cucumber: Opt for an English cucumber as there’s no need to peel or seed: I also find they taste the best!
Red bell pepper: Chopped finely for color and crunch.
Shallot: Thinly sliced for a gentler, sweeter taste than red onion.
Fresh parsley AND fresh dill: Both are necessary, not just one. The dill contributes essential Greek-inspired flavor.
Kalamata olives: They provide the perfect burst of flavor, but feel free to leave them out if you’re not a fan.
Feta cheese crumbles: This brings the right salty, substantial essence.

For The Greek Dressing
The dressing for this Greek salad is quick and effortless to prepare, using lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried herbs, and olive oil. It’s a smaller amount than many pasta salads call for, but the flavor truly stands out! You can opt for a store-bought dressing if you’re short on time, but we recommend making the homemade version when possible.

Use both dried oregano and dried dill. You may be tempted to skip the dried dill since fresh is included in the salad, but it’s crucial for the flavor!
Substitute ½ cup of purchased Greek vinaigrette dressing if you’re in a hurry. Search for the highest quality dressing available: the flavor can vary widely by brand. Spending a little extra is worth it for better taste.

The Best Pasta Shape
This Greek pasta salad is best with bowtie pasta or farfalle, but other pasta shapes work too! We appreciate how farfalle melds with the ingredients and how this shape absorbs the dressing. Note: the surface area of each pasta shape differs. In our tests, we found that 1 pound of bowties seems to yield less pasta than 1 pound of spirals. That said: here are some pasta shapes that pair well in a Greek pasta salad recipe:

Bowties (farfalle): our top choice!
Spirals (fusilli)
Penne
Shells (conchiglie)
Orecchiette
Gemelli
Gigli

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This Greek pasta salad is perfect for preparing in advance for a cookout or barbecue. In fact, we’ve made it up to 2 days ahead of a gathering and stored it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Here’s what to keep in mind about this salad:

Greek pasta salad can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator. It’s great for preparing ahead or healthy lunches throughout the week.
After refrigeration, be sure to enhance the flavors. Allow the salad to come to room temperature. Then mix in a splash of olive oil and a bit more crumbled feta cheese. You might need to add an extra pinch of salt.

Tip on Serving Size
This Greek pasta salad yields a large amount: 10 to 12 side dish servings or roughly 8 lunch-sized servings. It stays fresh for 5 days when refrigerated. If you believe you won’t consume it all in that time, you may want to consider making a half batch. It’s simple to create half!

What to Serve with Greek Pasta Salad
This recipe complements just about anything: especially during the summer! Here are a few

**High-Protein Cheesy Chicken Crust Pizza: More Than 34g Protein Per Serving**

In the realm of culinary creativity, the high-protein cheesy chicken crust pizza emerges as a flavorful and health-conscious choice for individuals aiming to boost their protein consumption without sacrificing flavor. This distinctive pizza variant substitutes conventional dough with a crust primarily crafted from chicken and cheese, presenting a low-carb, high-protein option that is ideal for fitness aficionados, those adhering to a ketogenic lifestyle, or anyone wishing to savor a guilt-free pizza delight.

**The Idea Behind Chicken Crust Pizza**

The concept of employing chicken as a pizza base may seem unusual, yet it has become popular due to its health advantages and delightful flavor. By utilizing ground chicken as the foundation, this pizza forgoes the use of flour, rendering it a gluten-free alternative. The inclusion of cheese not only amplifies the taste but also enhances the crust’s durability, ensuring it remains intact during the baking process.

**Nutritional Advantages**

One of the main attractions of the high-protein cheesy chicken crust pizza is its remarkable protein content. With over 34 grams of protein per serving, this pizza serves as an excellent option for individuals aiming to build muscle, recover post-exercise, or simply uphold a balanced diet. The elevated protein levels aid in prolonging fullness, diminishing the likelihood of snacking between meals.

Besides protein, this pizza is low in carbohydrates, making it appropriate for low-carb and ketogenic regimens. It also includes vital nutrients present in chicken, such as B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus, which support various bodily functions.

**How to Prepare High-Protein Cheesy Chicken Crust Pizza**

Making this protein-rich pizza at home is straightforward and requires just a few components. Here’s a fundamental recipe to help you begin:

*Ingredients:*
– 1 pound ground chicken
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/2 cup pizza sauce
– Additional toppings (e.g., extra cheese, vegetables, pepperoni)

*Instructions:*
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground chicken, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
3. Place the chicken mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and mold it into a round crust, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
4. Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked.
5. Take the crust out of the oven and spread the pizza sauce evenly on top.
6. Add your preferred toppings and return the pizza to the oven. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the pizza cool slightly before cutting and serving.

**Conclusion**

The high-protein cheesy chicken crust pizza is a flexible dish that accommodates a range of dietary preferences while providing outstanding flavor and nutrition. Whether you aim to boost your protein intake, lower carb consumption, or simply relish a fresh take on a beloved classic, this pizza presents a rewarding choice. With its ease of preparation and customizable toppings, it is a meal that can be enjoyed by the entire family.

Cowboy Chicken: A Skillet Dinner Bursting with Flavor

Cowboy chicken is a daring, flavor-rich dish that merges smoky, seasoned chicken with vibrant cowboy caviar, all topped with barbecue sauce and melted cheese under the broiler. This one-skillet dish is hearty yet simple to make, making it ideal for hectic weeknights.

Flavor Profile

• Smoky and Tangy: The blend of smoked paprika and barbecue sauce imparts a deep, smoky taste to the chicken.
• Sweet and Cheesy: The melted cheese contributes a creamy richness, while fresh lime juice adds a zesty brightness to the dish.

Why Make It?

Cowboy chicken is an excellent option for a one-skillet dinner that makes use of pantry essentials, ensuring it’s both convenient and wallet-friendly. The included cowboy caviar topping incorporates beans and vegetables, boosting the meal’s nutrition.

Budget-Friendly Ingredients

This dish consists of economical staples like:

• Canned beans
• Canned corn
• Diced tomatoes

Serving Suggestions

Serve cowboy chicken alongside:

• Rice
• Tortilla chips
• Guacamole
• A refreshing green salad

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken: Thin cutlets cook swiftly and uniformly, but chicken breasts can be sliced horizontally for similar effects.
• Paprika: Smoked paprika amplifies flavor; regular paprika can be used for a subtler taste.
• Beans: Black beans provide protein, but pinto beans can be a suitable alternative.
• Corn: Fresh or frozen corn lends sweetness; Southwest-style corn can enhance the flavor.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes with chilies bring heat, while petite diced tomatoes are a milder choice.
• Barbecue Sauce: Select your preferred variety to match your taste, from mild to fiery.
• Cheese: A Mexican cheese blend melts beautifully, though alternatives like cheddar or pepper jack work as well.
• Variations: Swap barbecue sauce for enchilada sauce or salsa for a different flavor profile. Add extra veggies or modify spice levels for family-friendly options.

How To Make Cowboy Chicken

1. Season and Cook Chicken: Season the chicken and cook in a skillet until thoroughly done. Remove from the skillet.
2. Prepare Cowboy Caviar: In the same skillet, add beans, corn, tomatoes, seasoning, and lime juice. Stir and heat thoroughly.
3. Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, brush with barbecue sauce, and sprinkle with cheese.
4. Broil: Put under the broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbling.

Tips for Success

• Cutlets Cook Faster: Cut chicken evenly for quicker cooking.
• Season Every Layer: Ensure the bean and corn mixture is well-seasoned.
• Drain Ingredients: Drain canned items to prevent a watery texture.
• Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: This facilitates a smooth transition from stovetop to broiler.
• Broil Briefly: Keep an eye on the cheese to avoid overcooking.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Use spicy ingredients for heat or milder options for children.

Save It for Later

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator or for up to 3 months in the freezer. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to retain moisture.

Cowboy chicken is more than just a meal; it’s a fusion of flavors that can easily turn into a family favorite. Savor this hearty dish with your loved ones and make it a regular part of your weekly dinner lineup.