Greek Pasta Salad

A vibrant mix of textures and flavors bursts forth in the Greek Pasta Salad, a delightful dish that can be prepped in less than 30 minutes. The medley of fresh ingredients and tangy dressing makes it not only refreshing but also a perfect accompaniment to any meal or a light lunch on its own.

This recipe is ideal for anyone who loves a quick, healthy dish packed with Mediterranean flavors. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick meal at home. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge, where it actually tastes even better after the flavors meld together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The combination of al dente pasta and crisp vegetables creates a satisfying texture.
• Prepare in just 30 minutes for a quick and easy meal.
• A versatile side dish that complements a range of main courses.
• Great for make-ahead meals, allowing flavors to develop over time.

What You’ll Need

Gather these ingredients for a delicious Greek Pasta Salad.

For the Salad

• 3 cups cooked pasta, rotini or penne
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¾ cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red apple vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of half a lemon

Feta cheese can be replaced with goat cheese.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use whole grain pasta for extra fiber.
• Substitute red apple vinegar with balsamic vinegar.
• Omit feta for a dairy-free option.
• Replace kalamata olives with green olives if preferred.

How to Make It

Start your journey to a delicious salad with these simple steps.

Boil the pasta

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.

Whisk together the dressing

In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, red apple vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice to make the dressing.

Combine the salad ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

Drizzle the dressing

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything until evenly coated.

Chill the salad

Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Before serving, sprinkle with fresh parsley.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, it’s best fresh.
Reheat: N/A, best enjoyed cold.

Tips for Best Results

• Use cold pasta for better salad texture.
• Opt for quality feta cheese for enhanced flavor.
• Adjust dressing ingredients for personal taste preferences.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside grilled meats for a balanced meal.
• Pair with a glass of white wine for a refreshing lunch.
• Bring to potlucks for a crowd-pleasing dish.