Greek Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad is a colorful, refreshing, and delicious dish that brings together tender pasta, crisp vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives—all tossed in a zesty homemade Greek dressing. It’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and satisfying weekday lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavor-Packed: Bursting with Mediterranean flavors—bright, tangy, and savory.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld.
• Great for a Crowd: Ideal for parties, barbecues, and potlucks.
• Customizable: Add protein or extra veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 8 ounces short pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. Make Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and parsley.
4. Dress and Toss: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Add feta cheese and gently toss again.
5. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)

Variations

• Add Protein: Mix in grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
• Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or roasted red peppers.
• Vegan Version: Use dairy-free feta or omit cheese altogether.
• Herb Swap: Substitute parsley with fresh dill, mint, or basil.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as fresh vegetables and pasta lose texture.
• Reheating: No reheating needed—serve chilled or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I make Greek Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes, in fact, it’s better after chilling for a few hours to let the flavors develop.

What pasta shape works best?

Short shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle are ideal for capturing dressing and mixing evenly.

Is there a substitute for red wine vinegar?

You can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I use store-bought Greek dressing?

Yes, but homemade dressing has a fresher, more vibrant taste.

How can I keep the pasta from sticking together?

Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking and toss it in a little olive oil before mixing.

Can I add lettuce or greens?

It’s best not to, as they wilt quickly. Instead, serve the pasta salad over a bed of greens if desired.

What’s the best way to make this gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Will feta cheese get mushy?

Feta holds up well but add it just before serving if you’re making the salad in advance.

Is this salad spicy?

Not typically, but you can add red pepper flakes or diced pepperoncini for a little heat.

Can I use green olives instead of Kalamata?

Yes, but it will slightly change the flavor. Choose a variety with a briny bite.

Conclusion

Greek Pasta Salad is a go-to recipe for warm-weather meals, potlucks, and easy lunches. With its crisp veggies, tangy dressing, and salty feta, it’s a refreshing and satisfying dish that comes together in no time. Whether served on its own or alongside grilled meats, this salad is a crowd-pleaser every time.

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