Quick & Easy Greek Pasta Salad with Steak: A Mediterranean Delight in Minutes!
Craving a flavorful, satisfying, and healthy meal that comes together quickly? Look no further than this Greek Pasta Salad with Steak! It’s a vibrant blend of perfectly cooked pasta, juicy grilled steak, crisp vegetables, briny olives, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty Greek dressing – a true explosion of Mediterranean flavors in every bite. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, picnics, or a light and refreshing lunch. The best part? It’s easily customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Pasta Salad with Steak
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those evenings when you’re short on time but still want a delicious and wholesome meal.
* **Flavorful and Fresh:** The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and feta cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, this salad is a balanced and satisfying meal that will keep you feeling full and energized.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** Easily adapt the recipe to your liking by swapping out ingredients or adding your favorite toppings.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, packing a picnic lunch, or simply looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this Greek Pasta Salad with Steak is the perfect choice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
**For the Steak:**
* 1 pound steak (sirloin, flank, or ribeye), about 1 inch thick
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
**For the Pasta Salad:**
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
* 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
* 1 red bell pepper, diced
* 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
* 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
* 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
* 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
**For the Greek Dressing:**
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
**Step 1: Prepare the Steak**
1. **Season the Steak:** In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This marinade infuses the steak with delicious Mediterranean flavors.
2. **Grill the Steak:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer depending on your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the correct internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F; for medium, 135-145°F; and for medium-well, 145-155°F.
3. **Rest the Steak:** Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Tent it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
4. **Slice the Steak:** After resting, thinly slice the steak against the grain. This makes it easier to chew and enhances its tenderness. Set aside.
**Step 2: Cook the Pasta**
1. **Boil the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta is cooked through but still firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy and unpleasant in the salad.
2. **Drain and Rinse:** Once the pasta is cooked, drain it immediately and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Rinsing also cools the pasta down quickly, making it safe to handle and add to the salad.
**Step 3: Prepare the Greek Dressing**
1. **Whisk Ingredients:** In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. Make sure the dressing is emulsified, meaning the oil and vinegar are thoroughly mixed and don’t separate. A whisk or fork works well for this. You can also use a small jar with a lid; simply add all the ingredients, seal the jar, and shake vigorously until emulsified.
2. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your liking. You may want to add more lemon juice for extra tanginess, more oregano for a stronger herbal flavor, or more salt and pepper to balance the flavors.
**Step 4: Assemble the Salad**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, thinly sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, halved Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and chopped oregano.
2. **Add the Steak:** Add the sliced steak to the bowl with the other ingredients.
3. **Pour Dressing:** Pour the Greek dressing over the salad. Start with about half of the dressing and add more as needed, making sure everything is lightly coated. You don’t want the salad to be swimming in dressing.
4. **Toss Gently:** Gently toss the salad to combine all the ingredients and coat them evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can cause the pasta to break and the vegetables to become bruised.
**Step 5: Serve and Enjoy**
1. **Serve Immediately or Chill:** You can serve the Greek Pasta Salad with Steak immediately, or you can chill it in the refrigerator for later. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together even more. If chilling, add a little extra dressing before serving, as the pasta will absorb some of the dressing over time.
2. **Garnish (Optional):** Garnish with extra feta cheese, chopped parsley, or a drizzle of olive oil before serving.
Tips and Variations
* **Steak Doneness:** Adjust the cooking time of the steak to your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accurate results.
* **Pasta Type:** Feel free to use your favorite type of pasta in this salad. Penne, rotini, farfalle, and bow ties all work well.
* **Vegetables:** Add or substitute your favorite vegetables. Some great additions include artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or grilled zucchini.
* **Cheese:** If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or mozzarella cheese.
* **Olives:** Use a different type of olive if you prefer. Green olives or black olives are both good options.
* **Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs. Dill, mint, or basil would also be delicious in this salad.
* **Spice:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a touch of heat.
* **Lemon Zest:** Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dressing for extra brightness.
* **Vegan Option:** Substitute the steak with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegan version of this salad. Use a vegan feta cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether.
* **Gluten-Free Option:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten-free.
* **Make Ahead:** You can prepare the individual components of this salad ahead of time and assemble it just before serving. Cook the pasta, grill the steak, and chop the vegetables. Store each component separately in the refrigerator. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights.
* **Leftovers:** Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you may want to add a little extra dressing before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Greek Pasta Salad with Steak is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with other dishes.
* **Grilled Vegetables:** Serve it alongside grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers.
* **Hummus and Pita Bread:** Serve it with hummus and pita bread for a Mediterranean-inspired feast.
* **Grilled Chicken or Fish:** Serve it as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish.
* **Lemon Wedges:** Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with garlic bread for a satisfying and comforting meal.
Greek Dressing Variations
The Greek dressing is the heart of this salad, and you can easily customize it to your liking.
* **Creamy Greek Dressing:** Add 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to the dressing for a creamy texture.
* **Sweet Greek Dressing:** Add 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing for a touch of sweetness.
* **Spicy Greek Dressing:** Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing for a spicy kick.
* **Herbaceous Greek Dressing:** Add more fresh herbs, such as dill, mint, or basil, to the dressing for a more pronounced herbal flavor.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
(Per serving, based on 6 servings):
* Calories: 550-650
* Protein: 35-45g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g
* Fiber: 5-7g
*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
* **Can I use a different type of steak?**
Yes, you can use any type of steak you like. Sirloin, flank steak, ribeye, or even skirt steak would all work well. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak.
* **Can I make this salad ahead of time?**
Yes, you can prepare the individual components of this salad ahead of time and assemble it just before serving. Cook the pasta, grill the steak, and chop the vegetables. Store each component separately in the refrigerator.
* **How long will leftovers last?**
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you may want to add a little extra dressing before serving.
* **Can I freeze this salad?**
It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as the pasta and vegetables may become mushy and the dressing may separate.
* **Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?**
Yes, you can easily make this salad vegetarian or vegan. Substitute the steak with grilled tofu, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables. Use a vegan feta cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether.
* **What kind of pasta is best for this salad?**
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, farfalle, and bow ties are best for pasta salad. These shapes hold the dressing and other ingredients well.
* **How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?**
Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the pasta after draining.
* **Can I use pre-made Greek dressing?**
Yes, you can use pre-made Greek dressing if you’re short on time. However, homemade Greek dressing is always the best option, as it allows you to control the ingredients and flavors.
* **How can I make this salad healthier?**
You can make this salad healthier by using whole wheat pasta, adding more vegetables, and using a light olive oil-based dressing. You can also reduce the amount of feta cheese or use a low-fat version.
This Quick & Easy Greek Pasta Salad with Steak is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish that’s perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill (or use a skillet!), and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean! Bon appétit!