A Vibrant And Fresh Pasta Salad Loaded With Mediterranean Flavors – Perfect For Any Gathering Or A Quick, Healthy Meal
This Greek Pasta Salad has become a staple in our household, and for good reason! I decided to make it because it’s so easy to throw together and the flavors are always a hit. The combination of tender pasta, crisp veggies, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese is a perfect balance of freshness and heartiness.
What I love most about this salad is that it’s so versatile – you can serve it as a side dish for a BBQ, enjoy it as a light meal on its own, or pack it for lunch. My family devours this every time, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Greek Pasta Salad actually tastes better when it sits for a few hours or even overnight, as the flavors have time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes! While rotini is a great choice because the dressing gets caught in the twists, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, bowtie, or even orzo work well.
Q: Can I add protein to make it a main dish?
A: Definitely! You can add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option to turn this salad into a filling main dish.
Q: How can I make this salad dairy-free?
A: To make this salad dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese and replace the dressing with a dairy-free option or olive oil and lemon juice.
Q: How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
A: To prevent the salad from getting soggy, make sure to drain the pasta well and let it cool before adding the dressing. This helps keep the pasta from absorbing too much liquid.
What You Need to Make Greek Pasta Salad
For the Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta quickly.
- Prepare the veggies: While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine the salad: Add the cooled pasta to the vegetables in the large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well combined.
- Add the feta and parsley: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the salad and give it another gentle toss.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld. This salad is best served cold!
Tips
- For extra crunch: You can add some chopped bell peppers or even a handful of toasted pine nuts for a little extra texture.
- Make it spicier: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a subtle kick.
- Customize it: Feel free to customize this salad by adding or removing ingredients based on what you have on hand – avocado, artichokes, or roasted red peppers all work wonderfully.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Amy R. – “This salad is so refreshing and full of flavor! It’s become a go-to for picnics and BBQs. I love how easy it is to make and always a crowd-pleaser!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Laura T. – “Delicious! I added some grilled chicken to make it a full meal, and it was perfect. My family loved it and asked for leftovers the next day.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Olivia H. – “This is hands down the best pasta salad I’ve ever had! The dressing is amazing, and the feta cheese gives it just the right amount of creaminess.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica M. – “Great recipe! I used bowtie pasta instead of rotini and it turned out great. I also added some olives and red pepper for extra flavor.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Natalie G. – “I made this for a family gathering, and it was gone in minutes! It’s so easy to prepare, and the flavors are just perfect. Will definitely make again.”
Printable Recipe
Greek Pasta Salad
Greek Pasta Salad is a light, vibrant dish packed with fresh vegetables, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for a quick meal or as a crowd-pleasing side at your next gathering!
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 12 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta you prefer)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta quickly.
Prepare the veggies:
While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and olives. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
Make the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine the salad:
Add the cooled pasta to the vegetables in the large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well combined.
Add the feta and parsley:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the salad and give it another gentle toss.
Serve:
Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld. This salad is best served cold!
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved this Greek Pasta Salad, why not share it with your friends and family? It’s the perfect dish for any occasion – whether it’s a backyard BBQ, a family picnic, or a light lunch on a warm day. Share it on your social media and tag me – I’d love to see how it turns out for you!
