This Ultimate Greek Pasta Salad combines all the vibrant flavors of a traditional Greek salad with tender pasta for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Packed with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty homemade dressing, this recipe brings Mediterranean sunshine to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Ultimate Greek Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing dish that delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a Mediterranean masterpiece that’s both refreshing and filling. Unlike traditional pasta salads that can become heavy and bland, this Greek-inspired version stays vibrant and flavorful thanks to the bright dressing and quality ingredients.
The recipe is incredibly versatile and perfect for meal prep, potlucks, barbecues, or weeknight dinners. You can make it ahead of time, and it actually improves in flavor as the ingredients marinate together. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly and packed with nutrients from all the fresh vegetables.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta Salad:
- 10 oz. rotini pasta
- 8 oz. block feta cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced and drained
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
Greek Salad Dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp. honey (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
- ¼ tsp. EACH of dried oregano, parsley, and basil
- 1 tsp. salt, plus more to taste
- ⅛ tsp. black pepper
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables While the pasta cooks, prepare all your vegetables. Halve the grape tomatoes, dice the cucumber and red bell pepper, thinly slice the red onion, and slice the Kalamata olives. Cut the feta cheese into bite-sized cubes.
Step 3: Make the Dressing In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and olives. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Add the Feta Gently fold in the feta cheese cubes, being careful not to break them up too much. The feta should remain in distinct pieces throughout the salad.
Step 6: Chill and Serve Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Helpful Tips
Choose the Right Pasta Shape: Rotini works perfectly because its spirals hold onto the dressing and small pieces of vegetables. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle are also excellent alternatives.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta maintains its texture better when mixed with the dressing and doesn’t become mushy when refrigerated.
Use Quality Feta: Opt for block feta cheese rather than pre-crumbled. Block feta has better texture and flavor, and you can control the size of your chunks.
Salt Your Vegetables: If you have time, lightly salt the diced cucumber and let it drain for 15 minutes before adding to the salad. This prevents excess water from diluting the dressing.
Make It Ahead: This Ultimate Greek Pasta Salad tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time) Servings: 8-10 servingsDifficulty: Easy
This recipe serves as a complete meal for 4-6 people or as a side dish for 8-10 people. The fresh ingredients provide plenty of vitamins and minerals, while the olive oil in the dressing offers healthy fats. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories when served as a side dish.
Notes
- For a vegan version, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based alternative
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this a complete protein-packed meal
- Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, dill, or mint can be added for extra flavor
- The honey in the dressing balances the acidity but can be omitted for a more traditional Greek flavor
- Store leftover dressing separately if you plan to keep the salad for more than 2 days
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes! This Ultimate Greek Pasta Salad actually improves when made ahead. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
What can I substitute for Kalamata olives? If you can’t find Kalamata olives, black olives or green olives work as substitutes, though they’ll provide a different flavor profile. For the most authentic taste, stick with Kalamata when possible.
How long does this pasta salad keep? When stored properly in the refrigerator, this salad will keep for 3-5 days. The vegetables may release some liquid over time, so give it a good stir before serving leftovers.
Can I use a different type of cheese? While feta is traditional and provides the signature Greek flavor, you can substitute with cubed mozzarella, goat cheese, or even sharp cheddar for a different taste profile.
Is this recipe gluten-free? To make this gluten-free, simply substitute the rotini with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook according to package directions and proceed with the recipe as written.
Storage Instructions
Store your Ultimate Greek Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The salad is best served cold or at room temperature. If the salad seems dry after refrigeration, drizzle with a little extra olive oil and red wine vinegar before serving.
For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta salad for up to 1 month, though the texture of the vegetables will change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of preparation.
Related Recipes
Explore more delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes from https://runoflif.com:
- Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
- Classic Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki)
- Lemon Herb Orzo with Vegetables
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Greek-Style Stuffed Peppers
Conclusion
This Ultimate Greek Pasta Salad brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors in one satisfying dish. The combination of fresh vegetables, creamy feta, and zesty homemade dressing creates a recipe that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, preparing meals for the week, or looking for a healthy side dish, this Greek pasta salad delivers every time.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a versatile addition to your recipe collection. Once you try this Ultimate Greek Pasta Salad, it’s sure to become a regular feature on your dining table.