Name: Greek Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape); 1 cucumber, diced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped; 1/2 cup Greek salad dressing (store-bought or homemade); Salt and pepper to taste

Greek Pasta Salad: A Burst of Mediterranean Flavors in Every Bite! 🥗☀️😋

1. Introduction

Craving a salad that’s both vibrant and satisfying? Look no further! This Greek pasta salad recipe is a modern, delicious twist on the classic Greek salad. It masterfully combines crisp, fresh vegetables, the salty tang of feta cheese, and a zesty dressing, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the perfect dish for a light and refreshing lunch, a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution, or even a simple and satisfying weeknight dinner. This versatile Mediterranean pasta salad is incredibly adaptable to your liking. Whether you consider yourself a seasoned chef or you’re just starting out in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding. So, get ready to embark on a culinary journey and enjoy a taste of the sunny Mediterranean with this amazing Greek salad with pasta!

Finished Greek Pasta Salad garnished with herbs, ready to eat.

2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: Experience a delightful explosion of Mediterranean tastes with every mouthful, from the crisp vegetables to the salty feta and tangy dressing.
Easy to Make: With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, creating this flavorful salad is a breeze. You might even find yourself making it regularly!
Versatile: This salad shines as a main course for a light lunch, a vibrant side dish alongside grilled meats, or the star of any potluck gathering. If you want other great recipe ideas check out our salads section.
Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to suit your unique taste preferences and dietary considerations. Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Need a vegan option? Simple swaps make it happen.
Great for Meal Prep: This easy Greek pasta salad holds up remarkably well in the refrigerator, making it an ideal addition to your weekly meal prep routine. Enjoy delicious lunches or dinners throughout the week with minimal effort.

3. Ingredients You’ll Need

1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or your favorite shape): The pasta is the base, feel free to experiment with different shapes!
1 cucumber, diced: Adds a refreshing crunch and a touch of coolness.
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved: Bursting with sweetness and vibrant color.
1 red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a sharp, pungent flavor that balances the other ingredients.
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Offers a salty, briny element that’s characteristic of Greek cuisine.
4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled: Contributes a creamy, tangy, and salty counterpoint to the other flavors.
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Brings a fresh, herbaceous note and adds a vibrant green color.
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped: Infuses the salad with a distinctive, slightly anise-like flavor.
1/2 cup Greek salad dressing (store-bought or homemade): Ties all the ingredients together with its tangy, flavorful profile. For inspiration on other dressings check out our soups category.
Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances the overall flavors and balances the seasonings, and for desserts ideas check out the desserts category.

4. Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package directions until it reaches the perfect “al dente” texture. This means it should be firm to the bite, ensuring your Greek pasta salad doesn’t turn mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse it with cold water. This crucial step halts the cooking process and prevents the pasta from sticking together. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl, ready to welcome the other delicious ingredients.

Ingredients for preparing a fresh Greek Pasta Salad.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

Now, it’s time to add the refreshing goodness of the vegetables! Introduce the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl containing the cooked pasta. To truly elevate the taste of this easy Greek pasta salad, ensure that your vegetables are as fresh as possible. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final flavor profile, so select the best produce you can find.

Mixing pasta, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a Greek Pasta Salad.

3. Add Olives and Feta

Next, incorporate the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese into the vibrant mixture. These key ingredients bring a distinct salty and tangy character to the Mediterranean pasta salad, perfectly complementing the fresh vegetables and pasta. The olives provide a briny depth, while the feta adds a creamy, slightly salty note that elevates the overall flavor profile and if you like pasta check out our dinner category.

Adding olives and feta cheese to pasta and vegetables for Greek Pasta Salad.

4. Dress and Season

The final step is to dress and season the salad to perfection. Pour the Greek salad dressing generously over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss all the ingredients together, ensuring that everything is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing. Season the salad with salt and pepper to your liking, adjusting the amounts to suit your personal taste preferences. For a final touch of freshness, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and dill before serving this delectable Greek salad with pasta.

Pouring Greek dressing over pasta salad ingredients.

5. Tips for the Perfect Greek Pasta Salad

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is the key to a great salad. It holds its shape and texture much better, preventing a mushy final result.
Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the more vibrant and flavorful your salad will be. Seek out the best quality produce you can find.
Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving is highly recommended. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious taste experience.
Adjust the Dressing: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the amount of dressing you use. Add more or less to suit your personal preference. Some people prefer a lightly dressed salad, while others enjoy a more pronounced tangy flavor.
Add Protein: Transform this salad into a heartier and more substantial meal by adding a source of protein like grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. These additions will further enhance its nutritional value and make it a more satisfying dish. Plus, if you like chicken also see our chicken recipes category!

6. Variations and Additions

Vegetarian: This recipe is naturally vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet.
Vegan: To make this salad vegan, simply substitute the feta cheese with a vegan alternative or omit it altogether. There are many delicious vegan feta options available in stores today.
Gluten-Free: If you’re gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta to enjoy this salad without any dietary concerns.
Add Protein: Boost the protein content by including grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. The additions will create a more filling and balanced meal.
Extra Veggies: Get creative with your vegetables! Bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added to introduce extra flavor and texture to the salad.

7. Serving Suggestions

This Greek pasta salad recipe is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of dishes. It’s a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, or lamb, and complements grilled fish equally well. Alternatively, enjoy it on its own as a light and refreshing meal. It’s also a fantastic addition to picnics, potlucks, and barbecues, and be sure to check out this delicious similar recipe! For the best taste experience, serve it chilled.

8. Storage Instructions

To store any leftover Mediterranean pasta salad, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Interestingly, the flavors tend to intensify over time, often making it even more delicious the next day! However, be mindful that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing during storage. If this happens, simply add a little more dressing before serving to restore its optimal flavor and moisture. It’s also important to note that this keeps for a similar time as our beef recipes!

9. Conclusion

This easy Greek pasta salad offers a delightful and convenient way to savor the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Its simple preparation and customizable ingredients make it a recipe that’s sure to become a beloved favorite among family and friends. Whether you’re seeking a quick and satisfying lunch, a crowd-pleasing side dish for a gathering, or a make-ahead meal to simplify your week, this recipe has got you covered. So, go ahead and embark on a culinary adventure, and enjoy the authentic taste of Greece in every single bite! If you want to know more about us click here, If you want to work with us click here. Maybe you would even like to check out our category related tobreakfast & brunch!