Creamy Greek-Style Pasta Salad

Kittencalskitchen's Note:

I recently developed this recipe, it's a full-flavored salad and not for anyone with plain palettes, the dressing is what really makes this salad --- feel free to add in other veggies of your choice, adjust the dressing and salad amounts to suit taste, plan ahead this salad must chill for 5 or more hours before serving, prep time includes chilling time.

• Total Time: 5 hrs
• Prep Time: 5 hrs
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 500 g uncooked medium pasta shells (or use small cheese tortellini pasta)
• 6 -8 green onions, chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 stalk celery, finely diced (optional)
• 1 1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
• 3/4 cup sliced black olives
• 2 large plum tomatoes, coarsley chopped (or use halved cherry tomatoes)
• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced (or use cooked turkey)
• 1/2-3/4 cup prepared ranch dressing (or to taste)
• salt and black pepper

DRESSING

• 1/2 cup olive oil (can use half each vegetable oil and olive oil)
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 -3 teaspoons sugar
• 3 teaspoons dried oregano (you can add in more at the end of making the salad)
• 3 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 -2 teaspoon seasoning salt
• black pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

1. For the dressing; in a bowl whisk together all ingredients until well blended adjusting amount to taste, then refrigerate until ready to use (the dressing may be made up to a day in advance).
2. Boil the pasta shells in boiling water until al dente; drain and rinse under cold water; place into a large bowl.
3. Add in onions, bell peppers, celery (if using) feta cheese, olives, tomatoes and cooked chicken; toss with a wooden spoon to combine.
4. Add in the prepared dressing; toss well to combine.
5. Add in Ranch dressing (start with 1/2 cup and add in more to taste).
6. Add in more oregano if desired and season with salt and lots freshly ground black pepper.
7. Cover and chill for 5 hours or more before serving.

Reviews

[Chef Decadent1]

This was good!!! I have been looking for a Greek potato salad and I came across your pasta salad. It was delicious and I added baby potatoes and sliced cucumber to the mix.I will be making this again...it made a nice summer dinner........THANKS!!!:)

[kusinera]

wow this salad sure packs a punch, you got another winner Kit, thank you!

[Ken Wood]

This was a wonderful blend of Greek flavors! It's a perfect meal for a hot summer evening. I was a bit skeptical about the ranch dressing, but it lends a nice creaminess without an overwhelming flavor. I think some artichoke hearts would make a nice addition.