We got invited to a BBQ Yay! Now, what to bring.
All things must be considered right?
What time of year is it?
Who’s going to be there?
Where will it be?
What is the theme?
Nevermind all that. This is one dish you can bring to any event and its always welcome.
Pasta salad! Make it Greek and blammo you’re a hero.
So the great BBQ side idea was there – Greek Pasta Salad, but alas there was no prepared Greek Salad Dressing in Valencia.
Not a BIG deal but the desire to make this a great pasta salad was there which means 2 things:
1. I like these people
2. I care enough to not just try to throw it together
The googling started.
Simple criteria, vinegar based Greek dressing.
Not creamy. Not lemony.
Not too garlicky.
Conversations will be had so…chilling out on the garlic is for everyone’s sake.
Found this recipe, tweaked it and it is AMAZING.
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup olive oil
1 finely grated garlic bulb (small one)
3/4 tsp dried basil
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. both salt & pepper
3/4 tsp. dijon mustard
1/3 cup red or white wine vinegar
1/3 cup feta
1 tsp. sugar (you need it to cut down the acidity and balance all the flavors)
Seriously consider doubling all the ingredients.
This salad dressing is so good it’s better to have too much than not enough.
INSTRUCTIONS
MIX together everything but the vinegar and feta.
WHISK in vinegar until well blended.
ADD feta.
That’s the whole deal. Do not refrigerate.
For the pasta parts:
You will need a tomato like this.
Actually you don’t, but just how fun is that tomato! All the produce here in Valencia is freakishly big considering it never rains here.
NOW for the pasta salad parts for reals
- black olives
- red onion
- cherry tomato’s
- cucumber
- thinly sliced red pepper (not too much)
- pepperoncini pickled peppers (like the ones they have at East Side Mario’s with the all you can eat salad)
- Pasta
Done.
Eyeball the ingredients as you add them to the pasta.
You know what you like.
Mix in the dressing gently.
Add tuna, or chicken to your bowl and instant lunch!
I will NEVER buy Greek Salad Dressing again.
This is my go to forever and ever I love it so much.
I hope you do too!
knot anchored 