If you’re looking for a delightful, refreshing dish that’s bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a vibrant combination of perfectly cooked pasta, crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese, all married together with a zesty, homemade dressing. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, needing a quick weeknight side, or just craving something fresh and satisfying, this salad ticks all the boxes with ease and charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients make this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe come to life, each bringing their own splash of taste, color, and texture to create a harmonious dish. From the chewy pasta to the salty feta and rich olive oil dressing, these essentials are what turn an everyday salad into a crowd-pleaser.
- 1 lb pasta (rotini, penne, or farfalle): These shapes hold onto the dressing and mix-ins beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Adds juicy sweetness and a lovely pop of red color.
- 1 cucumber, diced: Refreshing crunch that complements the creamy feta.
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a sharp, slightly sweet bite that awakens the palate.
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Briny and tender, these olives bring authentic Greek flair.
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled or cubed: The creamy saltiness that’s essential in any Greek salad.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a garnish.
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil: Rich and fruity, it’s the base for the zesty dressing.
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Offers just the right tang to balance the oil and cheese.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Lifts and brightens the whole salad with citrusy notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: The classic herb that ties the salad to Greek tradition.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional): Adds a subtle depth and emulsifies the dressing.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning each component to perfection.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory flavor without overpowering.
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cooking the pasta just until al dente is key because it needs to have that slight bite to hold up in the salad. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly. This step also helps prevent the pasta from sticking together later on.
Step 2: Prepare Fresh Vegetables
While your pasta is cooling, get the veggies ready. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives. Keeping the pieces uniform makes the salad more enjoyable to eat and ensures every forkful has a great balance of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, and Dijon mustard if you’re using it. Whisk or shake the jar vigorously until everything is emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This homemade dressing is where the magic happens—it brightens the salad and brings all the ingredients together.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta and toss in all the prepared vegetables. Sprinkle the crumbled or cubed feta cheese on top to add that creamy, salty contrast. Gently toss to distribute the ingredients evenly without breaking up the feta too much.
Step 5: Add the Dressing and Marinate
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently, making sure every bite will be flavorful. For best results, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the flavors to meld and improves the overall taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Just before serving, give the salad a quick toss and garnish with fresh parsley and additional feta cheese if desired. Serve this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe chilled or at room temperature. It’s a versatile salad that’s perfect anytime!
How to Serve Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, adding a burst of green freshness and a subtle herbal note. You can also sprinkle extra feta cheese or even a few roasted pine nuts for added crunch and richness. A light drizzle of olive oil right before serving enhances the glossy finish and flavor.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or even seafood. It’s also a fantastic stand-alone dish for a light lunch or picnic. Pair it with warm pita bread or stuffed grape leaves for a true Mediterranean feast that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in a large, rustic bowl for a casual family meal or in individual clear glass bowls to show off the kaleidoscope of colors at a party. You could also stuff it into pita pockets or hollowed-out tomatoes to make fun, portable servings with a fresh twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Greek Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making it even tastier the next day. Just give it a gentle stir before serving as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because the fresh vegetables and pasta will lose their texture and become mushy once thawed. For best results, prepare fresh or use leftovers within a few days.
Reheating
Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is best served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, let refrigerated leftovers sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to take the chill off. Avoid reheating as it can dull the vibrant flavors and spoil the texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotini, penne, or farfalle are great for holding onto the dressing, but you can also use shells, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni. Just pick a pasta that has ridges or shapes to trap the dressing and mix-ins.
How long will the Greek Pasta Salad Recipe stay fresh?
Stored properly in the fridge, this salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after resting for a few hours, but it’s best eaten within this timeframe for optimal texture and taste.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan-friendly cheese alternative. You might also want to double the olives or add some roasted chickpeas for extra flavor and protein.
Is it better to toss the salad with dressing right away?
It’s best to toss the salad with the dressing before refrigerating to let the flavors meld properly. You can also save some dressing to add fresh just before serving if you prefer a more vibrant taste.
Can I add other vegetables or proteins to this salad?
Definitely. Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even avocado are great additions. For proteins, grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas complement the flavors fantastically and make it more of a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a breath of fresh air with every bite. It’s easy, quick, and wonderfully versatile, bringing a little sunshine to your plate anytime. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation — perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you just need a simple, tasty meal that everyone loves.
Print
Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish combining al dente pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy Kalamata olives, and crumbly feta cheese. Tossed in a zesty dressing of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs, this salad is perfect as a light lunch or a colorful side for any meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it delivers Mediterranean flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb (16 oz) pasta (such as rotini, penne, or farfalle)
Vegetables and Extras
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled or cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Drain well and set aside to prevent sogginess.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and halve the Kalamata olives to prepare the fresh components of the salad.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, Dijon mustard (if using), minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired for balanced flavor.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the prepared tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Add the crumbled or cubed feta cheese and gently toss to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients thoroughly. For enhanced flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional feta cheese if desired. Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature for a perfect Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Notes
- The salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, add some Greek yogurt to the dressing.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or artichoke hearts for extra variety.
- Use gluten-free pasta to adapt this recipe for gluten-free diets.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
