Kritharaki Salad Recipe: The Greek pasta salad is ideal for a light summer meal!

Greece is definitely one of the most popular summer holiday destinations for Germans, and not just because of the fairytale beaches. Greek cuisine also makes us dream of summer vacations with all the fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors. Whether moussaka, souvlaki, tzatziki, spanakopita, etc. – Greek recipes are also very popular here and have a permanent place on our menu (and in our hearts). But forget about the popular Greek salad! Bring some variety to the table and try our Kritharaki salad recipe today! Quick to prepare and full of flavor – the Greek classic is great as a side dish as well as a light lunch and dinner! So let’s get started – read on and enjoy!

Kritharaki Salad with Feta

Our tricks, like yoursCrispy potato wedgeswe have already told you. But with our recipe for Kritharaki salad with feta, we're bringing a piece of summer to the table today. Kritharaki are typical Greek durum wheat noodles in grain or rice grain form. In Italian cuisine, Kritharaki are known as Risi, Risoni or Orzo. In Germany you can now find Kritharaki in every well-stocked supermarket.

Ingredients for 4-6 servings

  • 250 Gram Kritharaki-Nudeln
  • 1 root Paprika
  • 1 Lettuce
  • 80 grams of grilled peppers from the jar
  • 150 grams of cherry tomatoes
  • 1 red onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 1 tsp vegetable broth
  • 1.5 liters of water
  • 30 grams of olive oil
  • 20 ml light balsamic vinegar
  • 1 handful of fresh basil
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

preparation

  • Cook Kritharaki with water and vegetable stock according to package instructions.
  • Sieve in a sieve, drain well and allow to cool.
  • In the meantime, dice the cucumbers, peppers and cherry tomatoes.
  • Cut red onions into thin slices.
  • Finely chop the garlic cloves and basil - you can also use a chopper for this.
  • To make the dressing, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
  • Whisk together Kritharaki noodles and vegetables in a large salad bowl.
  • Add the dressing, mix well and sprinkle with feta.
  • Let it sit in the fridge for 1-2 hours and voilà – the Kritharaki salad with feta is ready!

In the Thermomix

If you want, you can prepare the Kritharaki salad in the Thermomix. How to do it:

  • Add water and vegetable broth to the mixing bowl and heat for 12-15 minutes/100 degrees/speed 1.
  • Add Kritharaki and cook for 10 minutes/90 degrees/speed 1.
  • Place Kritharaki in the cooking basket, drain well and place in a salad bowl.
  • Place the peppers, tomatoes and cucumber in the mixing bowl and chop with the spatula for 4 seconds/speed setting 4.
  • Place the feta and grilled peppers in the mixing bowl and chop with the spatula for 3 seconds/speed setting 4.
  • Place the garlic, onions and basil in the mixing bowl and chop for 3 seconds/speed setting 8.
  • Mix oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt and pepper to make a dressing.
  • Add the vegetables and dressing to the salad bowl, whisk together and let sit in the fridge for 1 hour.

Kritharaki salad with minced meat

For a filling lunch or dinner today we treat ourselves to a delicious Kritharaki salad with minced meat. Here comes the recipe for this treat.

Ingredients for 6 people

  • 500 Gram Kritharaki
  • 450 grams of mixed minced meat
  • 1 onion
  • 3 Paprika
  • 30 grams of tomato paste
  • 30 grams of tomato ketchup
  • 40 grams of olives
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • some olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

preparation

  • Chop onions finely.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Mix the minced meat with onions, tomato paste, ketchup and oregano in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.
  • Fry the minced meat mixture vigorously for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • In the meantime, cook Kritharaki according to package instructions, drain in a colander and allow to cool.
  • Dice the peppers into small pieces and mix with the minced meat mixture and the Kritharaki noodles in a large bowl.
  • Whether you prepare the Kritharaki salad with Knorr-Saladkrönung or another ready-made dressing or use the dressing above is entirely up to you.
  • And your Kritharaki salad with minced meat is ready!

Refine the recipe

The original recipe for Kritharaki Salad tastes delicious in itself, but can also be refined in a variety of ways to suit your heart's content and taste. And so that it never gets boring, we have a few great preparation ideas for you:

  • For a crunchy touch, add some chickpeas or lightly toasted nuts.
  • To make the Kritharaki salad vegan, replace the feta cheese with a vegan alternative or simply omit it.
  • It becomes even creamier if you use a yogurt dressing.
  • If you can't find Kritharaki noodles, you could use couscous or bulgur as an alternative.
  • Or why not make the Kritharaki salad with grilled vegetables such as zucchini and eggplant?