Chilled Greek Pasta Skewers

As the warm sun beckons the arrival of summer, it’s the perfect time to explore vibrant and refreshing dishes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also embrace the essence of outdoor gatherings. Chilled Greek Pasta Skewers are just that—a delightful fusion of hearty pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy Mediterranean flavors, all beautifully arranged on skewers for easy serving. Whether you are hosting a backyard barbecue, preparing for a picnic at the park, or simply seeking a light meal to enjoy on a warm evening, these skewers are a wonderful choice that will impress both family and friends.

Looking for a refreshing dish to elevate your summer gatherings? Try Chilled Greek Pasta Skewers, a delightful mix of pasta, fresh vegetables, and zesty Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for barbecues, picnics, or light meals, these skewers are easy to prepare in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. With vibrant ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives, this colorful appetizer celebrates healthy, bold tastes that everyone will love. Enjoy the essence of Greek cuisine in every delicious bite!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) fusilli or penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1 cup bell pepper (red or yellow), diced

1 cup feta cheese, cubed

½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

¼ cup red onion, finely chopped

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Skewers (soaked in water if using wooden ones)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add a generous amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli or penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches the al dente stage. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and immediately rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Allow it to cool completely before setting it aside.

Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, prepare your vegetables. Carefully halve the cherry tomatoes, then dice the cucumber and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the red onion and parsley. Lastly, pit and halve the Kalamata olives for easy eating.

Make the Dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until they are thoroughly mixed and the dressing is smooth.

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, cubed feta cheese, and chopped parsley. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixture. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.

Assemble the Skewers: Take your skewers and begin the exciting assembly process! Alternately thread the pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, feta cheese, olives, and red onion onto each skewer. Aim for a colorful and visually appealing arrangement that showcases the vibrant ingredients.

Chill: Once all skewers are assembled, carefully place them on a serving platter. Cover the platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes. This chilling time is crucial to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and for the skewers to become refreshingly cool.

Serve: After the chilling period, remove the skewers from the refrigerator. Arrange them artistically on a serving platter. For an added touch, garnish with a sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil over the skewers. Serve these delightful chilled skewers as a refreshing appetizer or side dish to share with friends and family!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 1 hr | 6 servings