Delightful Greek Pasta Salad: A Healthy Reset After Your Festive Easter Celebration

The Easter season often brings with it boundless joy, cherished family moments, and, let’s be honest, an abundance of sweet indulgences. This past weekend was no exception, filled with the delightful crunch of jelly beans, the tangy surprise of sour gummy worms, and the creamy richness of countless cupcakes. It’s easy to get swept away in the celebratory spirit, allowing our cravings to lead the way through a landscape of sugary treats and delightful desserts. From morning iced coffees laced with caramel sauce to an endless supply of holiday confections, the temptation to overindulge is strong, and often, irresistible.

As the holiday glow begins to fade, many of us find ourselves at a familiar crossroads: the desire for a “reset.” Starting tomorrow, it’s time to hit the brakes on the sugar train. The days of spontaneous candy grabs, extra cupcakes, and that irresistible caramel swirl in my coffee are officially coming to a temporary halt. This isn’t just a fleeting thought; it’s a firm commitment to recalibrate my palate and nourish my body with wholesome, vibrant foods. I anticipate the sugar withdrawals might be a challenging hurdle, but the resolve to embrace a healthier routine is stronger. From this point forward, my plate will be a colorful medley of fresh fruits, wholesome grains, and an array of crisp, nutritious vegetables.

Celebrating More Than Just Easter: A Culinary Journey with #SundaySupper

Beyond the festive cheer of Easter, this past Sunday also marked another wonderful occasion: #SundaySupper. I had originally planned to share my famously comforting mac and cheese recipe with all of you. However, in my usual free-spirited cooking style, I completely forgot to measure the ingredients! It’s a common habit of mine; I often cook by intuition, taste, and a dash of experience rather than strict measurements. Please don’t worry, though; the next time I whip up that cheesy delight, I’ll be sure to meticulously record every measurement so you can recreate it perfectly in your own kitchen.

While the mac and cheese recipe remains a delicious promise for the future, I did meticulously measure out the ingredients for another one of my absolute favorites: my vibrant and refreshing Greek Pasta Salad. This dish is an absolute staple in my kitchen, especially as the weather warms up. It’s a symphony of fresh flavors and textures, generously packed with an assortment of crisp vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and the distinctive briny notes of Kalamata olives. Every forkful is a burst of Mediterranean goodness – truly, a delightful treat for the taste buds!

An Early Easter Feast: Family, Laughter, and Barbecue Delights

Our family’s Easter celebration took place a day early this year, a practical decision since several loved ones had travel plans that required them to head home on actual Easter Sunday. This slight adjustment allowed everyone to relax and fully immerse themselves in the joy of the holiday without the stress of immediate departures. We opted for a wonderfully casual, laid-back dinner with a classic barbecue theme, which is always a hit with our crowd. The grill was fired up, and we savored the aroma of sizzling chicken, juicy hamburgers, and savory sausages.

Complementing the grilled main courses, I prepared a delicious spread of sides. Sweet corn on the cob, grilled to perfection, added a touch of summer to our spring feast. Of course, my refreshing Greek pasta salad made a star appearance, providing a light and flavorful counterpoint to the richer barbecue fare. I also contributed a selection of delightful desserts to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. My mom, a culinary force in her own right, took charge as the grill master for the day, expertly flipping and cooking everything to perfection. She also brought her famous green beans, a family recipe that everyone eagerly anticipates. Once all the delicious food was ready, we gathered around the table, a cherished tradition that allows us to connect, share stories, and simply enjoy the precious, often too-short, moments we have together as a family. These are the memories that truly make the holidays special.

Winding Down with Warmth and Sweet Memories

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over our gathering, we transitioned into the evening’s final and most relaxing phase. We gathered around a crackling fire pit, its warmth a comforting embrace against the cool evening air. With good company, engaging conversation, and a few refreshing cocktails in hand, we settled in for some quality time. The flickering flames cast dancing shadows, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere perfect for unwinding. Of course, no outdoor fire gathering is complete without the delightful ritual of roasting marshmallows. The sticky, sweet, perfectly toasted treats were the ideal capstone to a wonderful day, filled with laughter, good food, and the enduring bond of family. I hope your Easter celebration was just as memorable and filled with joy! Enjoy the sweet memories.

Love and sweet treats,

Jennie

Greek Pasta Salad: Your Perfect Post-Holiday Healthy Refresh

This Greek Pasta Salad recipe is not just delicious; it’s a testament to healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for meal prepping, picnics, potlucks, or simply as a light and satisfying dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s the ideal dish to help you transition back to lighter, more nutritious meals after a period of indulgence. The combination of chewy pasta, crisp vegetables, salty feta, and tangy olives creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling energized and refreshed.

Ingredients:

1 pound pasta: Penne, rotini, or farfalle work wonderfully, holding the dressing and vegetables beautifully.
1 pint grape tomatoes: Either left whole for bursts of juiciness or halved for easier eating.
1 seedless cucumber: Cut into bite-sized pieces for a refreshing crunch.
1 yellow bell pepper: Chopped, adding sweetness and a vibrant color.
1 red bell pepper: Chopped, contributing to the colorful medley and a slightly different sweet note.
1/2 red onion: Diced finely for a pungent kick and beautiful purple flecks.
1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives: Chopped, providing a distinct salty, briny flavor that defines Greek cuisine.
1 15 oz. can of cannellini beans: Drained and rinsed thoroughly, adding protein and a creamy texture.
1 cup feta cheese: Crumbled, for its signature salty, tangy, and creamy elements.
1/4 cup fresh mint: Chopped, for an invigorating and aromatic lift that brightens the entire dish.
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil: The heart of the Mediterranean dressing, providing richness and healthy fats.
1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: For a sharp, tangy base to the dressing.
1 lemon: Juiced, adding a bright, fresh acidity.
6 teaspoons honey: To balance the acidity of the vinegar and lemon with a touch of sweetness.
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard: Acts as an emulsifier and adds a subtle, sharp depth of flavor to the dressing.
2 cloves garlic: Minced, for an essential aromatic base.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Greek herb, adding earthy and aromatic notes.
Salt and black pepper: To taste, essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.

Instructions:

Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. It’s crucial not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to soften slightly as it absorbs the dressing. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together. Drain again completely and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
Combine Vegetables and Beans: In the same large mixing bowl with the cooled pasta, add the grape tomatoes, cucumber, yellow and red bell peppers, cannellini beans, diced red onion, and chopped Kalamata olives. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are well distributed throughout the pasta.
Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and dried oregano. Whisk vigorously until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the dressing appears slightly emulsified. Season generously with salt and black pepper to taste. It’s important to taste the dressing at this stage and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or a touch more honey/vinegar to suit your preference.
Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the pasta and vegetable mixture in the large mixing bowl. Add the crumbled feta cheese and the freshly chopped mint. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta and every vegetable is coated in the flavorful dressing. The mint adds an incredible burst of freshness, so don’t skip it!
Chill and Serve: For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and refrigerate the Greek pasta salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the pasta to absorb some of the dressing. Before serving, give it another gentle stir. Enjoy this delicious and refreshing salad as a healthy meal or a vibrant side dish!