Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Ever have one of those days where you crave something fresh, vibrant, and a little bit zesty? Enter my go-to Greek pasta salad—a colorful whirlwind of Mediterranean flavors that feels like a mini-vacation with every bite.

I love creating vibrant dishes that are as delightful to eat as they are nutritious. My Greek Pasta Salad brings together tender pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and tangy feta cheese.

With olives adding a briny bite and olive oil dressing for heart-healthy fats, it’s a deliciously balanced meal.

Greek Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Cherry Tomatoes: Rich in vitamins A and C, they add freshness and a hint of sweetness.
• Cucumber: Low in calories, hydrating, and provides a refreshing, crisp texture.
• Kalamata Olives: Full of healthy fats, they contribute a savory, rich flavor.
• Feta Cheese: A good source of calcium, it delivers a creamy, tangy taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat, enhances flavor and aids absorption of nutrients.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tanginess, enhancing overall taste with a zesty kick.

Greek Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 12 ounces of dried pasta (such as rotini or penne)
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

How to Make this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.

2. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and halve the pitted kalamata olives.

3. Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives to the cooled pasta in the mixing bowl.

4. Crumble the feta cheese and add it to the pasta salad mixture, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.

6. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss to combine all the ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

7. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

8. If using, chop the fresh parsley and sprinkle it over the salad, gently mixing it in for added freshness and color.

9. Let the salad sit for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

10. Serve the Greek pasta salad chilled or at room temperature, garnished with reserved feta cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Greek Pasta Salad Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander or pasta strainer
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Cutting board
7. Chef’s knife
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Wooden spoon or salad tongs

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any short pasta shape like fusilli, penne, or farfalle for this salad.
• Is there a substitute for feta cheese? If you prefer, you can use goat cheese or even a vegan cheese substitute for a different flavor while keeping the salad vegetarian.
• How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Wait to add the feta cheese and dressing until just before serving to keep it fresh.
• What is an alternative to kalamata olives? If you don’t have kalamata olives, you can use black olives as an alternative.
• Is the parsley necessary? The parsley is optional, but it adds a fresh, vibrant flavor. You can omit it or substitute with fresh dill or basil if preferred.
• How do I adjust the dressing if it’s too tangy? If the dressing is too tangy, you can mellow it by adding a little more olive oil or a touch of honey or sugar.

Greek Pasta Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Pasta: Substitute with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta if desired.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Use grape tomatoes or coarsely chopped Roma tomatoes.
• Red Onion: Swap with shallots for a milder flavor or use green onions for a different texture.
• Kalamata Olives: Replace with black olives or green olives for a milder taste.
• Feta Cheese: Sub with goat cheese or a vegan feta alternative for a dairy-free option.

Pro Tips

1. Perfect Pasta Texture Cook the pasta just until al dente, and immediately rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the salad.

2. Flavor Infusion Prepare the dressing first and allow it to sit for a few minutes. This will help the flavors meld together before being added to the salad.

3. Red Onion Tip If you find raw red onion too strong, soak the chopped onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will mellow the sharpness without losing its flavor.

4. Feta Cheese Upgrade Consider using block feta cheese and crumbling it yourself for a fresher taste and texture compared to pre-crumbled feta.

5. Make Ahead Prepare the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. This will enhance the flavors as they have time to develop and blend together. Just give it a quick toss before serving.