Greek Feta Bows Food

THE BEST EASY GREEK PASTA SALAD RECIPE!

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
• Meanwhile, prepare the dressing. Combine ingredients from vinegar through feta cheese crumbles and mix thoroughly. I use my handheld milk frother for this but you can whisk it too. Then, while whisking, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Alternately, combine all dressing ingredients in a jar or bottle and shake to combine.
• Combine all pasta salad ingredients in a large bowl. Top with dressing and toss to thoroughly combine.

BAKED FETA PASTA

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Toss the cherry tomatoes and olive oil with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and several grinds of black pepper in a medium bowl until combined. Transfer to a 2 1/2- to 3-quart baking dish, place the feta in the center of the tomatoes and season with a pinch of black pepper. Bake until the tomatoes have burst and the feta has softened, about 30 minutes. Raise the heat to 450 degrees F and continue to cook until the tomatoes and feta are golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes more.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 13 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking water, then thoroughly drain the pasta.
• As soon as the tomatoes and feta come out of the oven, stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Use the back of a spoon to smash the tomatoes and feta into a smooth and creamy sauce (it's okay if some of the oil isn't fully integrated). Add the pasta and half the basil and toss until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in some pasta water a couple tablespoons at a time. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve topped with the remaining basil and a pinch of sea salt.

GREEK PASTA SALAD WITH FETA AND OLIVES

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, shallot, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
• Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; add to the bowl with the dressing.
• Add the cucumber, feta, parsley, olives and tomatoes to the bowl and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper. The pasta salad is best if served right away.

GREEK FETA BOWS

Steps:

• Cook pasta for 6- 8 minutes or until tender but firm.
• Drain and return to pot, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
• Meanwhile, heat oil in large skillet; cook garlic and oregano for about 30 seconds or just until garlic starts to brown.
• Add garlic mixture to pasta along with feta, tomatoes, parsley and olives; toss to coat, adding enough of the reserved pasta water to moisten.

BAKED FETA RECIPE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees F and adjust a rack in the middle.
• Arrange the onions, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes at the bottom of a ramekin or oven-safe dish. Sprinkle with 1 tsp oregano, pinch red pepper flakes, and add some of the fresh thyme. Drizzle a bit of extra virgin olive oil.
• Add the feta on top of the arranged veggies. Season the feta block with the remaining dried oregano, pinch of red pepper flakes and whatever remains of the fresh thyme. Drizzle a generous amount of extra virgin olive oil on the feta and make sure to brush the sides with some of the oil.
• Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 20 to 30 minutes (and if you like, you can stick it under the broiler very briefly to add color).
• Serve with pita chips or toasted Italian bread.