If you are searching for a vibrant, flavorful salad that feels like a sunny day captured in a bowl, look no further than this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender pasta, crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and briny olives, all brought together with a zesty homemade dressing that brightens every bite. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, a casual family dinner, or just want an easy yet impressive side, this salad delivers freshness, heartiness, and a little taste of Mediterranean magic in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors. From the chewy pasta to the juicy tomatoes and the punchy olives, every component contributes to the vibrant character of this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe.
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta: Choose these shapes because they hold onto the dressing and ingredients beautifully.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Adds juicy sweetness and a burst of color.
- 1 cucumber (diced): Provides refreshing crunch and balances the richness.
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped): Brings natural sweetness and a splash of vibrant red.
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced): Introduces a sharp, tangy bite that awakens the palate.
- ¾ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved): Adds deep, briny flavor quintessential to Greek cuisine.
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese: Delivers creamy, salty richness that defines this salad.
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil: The heart of the dressing, bringing smoothness and a fruity aroma.
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar: Provides the perfect tangy contrast in the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic herb that adds authentic Mediterranean flair.
- 1 garlic clove (minced): Infuses the dressing with a gentle savory kick.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a pop of fresh herbal brightness for garnish.
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your rotini or penne pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite, giving the salad great texture. Once cooked, drain it and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. This also helps prevent the pasta from sticking and keeps it fresh for tossing with the other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients
While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the red bell pepper, and thinly slice the red onion. Rinse and pit the Kalamata olives, then halve them. These colorful veggies and olives provide not only a striking contrast but also layers of crunch, tang, and saltiness that make this dish irresistible.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Vegetables
Transfer the cooled pasta to a large bowl, then gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese. The feta adds that beautifully tangy creaminess which pairs perfectly with the olives and fresh veggies, creating a harmonious salad base.
Step 4: Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This simple yet flavorful dressing is what brings everything together, coating each ingredient with a lively, Mediterranean tang.
Step 5: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture and toss gently until every bite is well coated. To deepen the flavors, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Chilling allows the dressing to mingle with the ingredients, making each forkful a punch of fresh, savory delight.
How to Serve Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Greek Pasta Salad Recipe even further, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving. It adds a refreshing herbal note and a beautiful pop of green that makes the dish even more inviting. You can also add a few extra crumbles of feta or a few whole olives stylishly arranged for a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
This salad is a fantastic stand-alone side but also pairs incredibly well with grilled meats like chicken, lamb, or fish. For a vegetarian or vegan-friendly meal, serve it alongside warm pita bread or alongside a spicy hummus dip. It’s a versatile companion for almost any meal, adding Mediterranean charm with every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling festive? Serve this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe in colorful bowls or mason jars for picnics and potlucks. You could also layer it in clear glass containers with the dressing at the bottom for a dramatic effect before tossing it just before eating. It looks stunning on a buffet table and invites everyone to dive in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. Because the dressing soaks into the pasta and vegetables, the flavors will actually get better with a little time, making leftovers almost as delicious as freshly made.
Freezing
Freezing is not ideal for this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe. The fresh vegetables and feta cheese can become watery and lose their texture upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a day or two.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, you can let it sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before serving, but avoid heating it in the microwave to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for the Greek Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotini or penne are recommended because they hold onto the dressing well, you can experiment with fusilli, farfalle, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.
Is this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe suitable for vegans?
To make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative. You can also add extra olives or chickpeas to maintain that hearty, satisfying element.
How long can I make the salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the salad even tastier if given a bit of time before serving.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are excellent additions that turn this salad into a more substantial main course without compromising the authentic flavors.
What if I don’t have Kalamata olives?
If Kalamata olives are not available, you can substitute with other briny olives like Gaeta or even black olives. They may have a milder flavor but will still bring that essential salty kick to the dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, and this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, traditional flavors, and effortless preparation that never fails to impress. I hope you give it a try soon and share it with loved ones—this salad has a way of bringing a vibrant, joyful touch to any table!
Print
Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Greek Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all coated in a zesty homemade oregano and garlic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light side dish or a picnic favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Dressing
- â…“ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, chop the red bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Add all these vegetables to a large mixing bowl.
- Combine pasta with vegetables: Once the pasta is cooled, transfer it to the large bowl with the vegetables. Add the crumbled feta cheese on top.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified and well combined.
- Toss everything together: Pour the dressing over the pasta, vegetables, and feta. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- For extra protein, consider stirring in grilled chicken pieces or adding chickpeas to the salad.
- Using fresh oregano instead of dried can add a more vibrant flavor to the dressing.
- Rinsing the pasta under cold water is essential to stop the cooking process and keep the salad cool.
