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If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and a satisfying medley of textures, you have to try this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe. It brilliantly marries the tangy creaminess of Feta, juicy grape tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and briny Kalamata olives with perfectly cooked rotini pasta, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing that’s utterly addictive. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a picnic side, or a festive potluck contribution, this salad stands out as one of those simple yet unforgettable crowd-pleasers that everyone will ask you to make again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of each ingredient. Every element has a role—whether it’s adding brightness, crunch, creaminess, or that signature Mediterranean flair—so gather them with care to get the best result.
- 10 oz. rotini pasta: The perfect spiral shape to hold onto every bit of that delicious dressing.
- 8 oz. block Feta cheese (cut into cubes): Adds a creamy, salty tang that is essential to Greek salads.
- 1 pint grape tomatoes (halved): Sweet and juicy pops of flavor that lighten up the dish.
- 1 English cucumber (diced): Provides a refreshing crunch and balances the richness of the cheese.
- 1 red bell pepper (diced): Offers sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the salad visually and in taste.
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (sliced and drained): Brings the briny, intense flavor classic to Greek cuisine.
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced): Adds a sharpness that contrasts beautifully with the milder ingredients.
- ½ cup olive oil: The heart of the dressing, delivering richness and silky texture.
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar: Provides acidity and brightness to tie all flavors together.
- 2 tsp. honey (optional): A subtle sweetness that balances the acidity in the dressing.
- 1 clove garlic (finely minced): Infuses a gentle savory kick to the dressing.
- 1 tsp. Dijon mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing and adds a little depth.
- ¼ tsp. each of dried oregano, parsley, and basil: Classic herbs bring a fragrant Mediterranean touch.
- 1 tsp. salt (plus more to taste): Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- â…› tsp. black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth without overpowering.
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta perfectly
Start by cooking your rotini pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, rinse it under cool running water to stop the cooking process and keep the pasta firm yet tender. Drain thoroughly to avoid a soggy salad, then transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl where everything will come together.
Step 2: Whip up the flavorful dressing
In a mason jar or blender, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper. Shake or blend for 10-20 seconds until you see a smooth, emulsified dressing that coats the spoon effortlessly. Pour this over the pasta and toss well so every nook and cranny of the spirals is glistening with flavor.
Step 3: Toss in the vibrant veggies and cheese
Now for the fun part—adding fresh color and crunch! Gently fold in the cubed Feta, halved grape tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss everything together carefully to ensure each bite gets that perfect juicy, salty, and crisp balance that makes this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe so special.
Step 4: Chill or serve immediately
This salad is divine right away if you can’t wait, but letting it rest in the fridge for an hour or two deepens the flavors and chills it beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dish for any occasion.
How to Serve Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate the salad’s presentation and flavors even more, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or oregano on top right before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few crumbles of extra Feta can also add an indulgent final touch to this Mediterranean delight.
Side Dishes
This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, lamb kebabs, or even a simple platter of warm pita bread and hummus. Its fresh, slightly tangy taste also complements heavier, smoky dishes perfectly, making your meal feel well rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleaser, serve the salad in colorful bowls or layered in clear glass jars for a charming picnic vibe. You can even stuff it into chilled hollowed-out bell peppers or serve alongside skewers of veggies and cheeses for a festive Mediterranean spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing, as the ingredients naturally settle.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked pasta, the fresh vegetables and feta in this salad don’t hold up well after freezing, so it’s best to enjoy this salad fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may make the veggies watery and the cheese crumbly.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you prefer a warmer option, remove the veggies and cheese first, gently warm the pasta with a bit of olive oil on the stove, then recombine when cooled slightly. However, it’s truly at its best fresh and chilled.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, penne, farfalle, or fusilli can all work well. Just pick a shape that catches the dressing and ingredients nicely.
How do I make the salad dairy-free?
Simply omit the Feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like marinated tofu cubes or vegan cheese for that creamy texture and rich flavor.
Can I prepare the salad dressing in advance?
Yes! The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good shake or stir before using, as ingredients may separate over time.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with extra veggies such as artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or even some fresh herbs like dill for an extra flavor boost.
What if I don’t have Kalamata olives?
You can substitute with black olives or green olives for a different but still tasty flavor profile. Just make sure to slice and drain them well to avoid excess moisture.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe keeps finding its way onto summer tables, picnic baskets, and family gatherings alike. Its bright, fresh flavors and satisfying textures make every bite a celebration of Mediterranean goodness. I encourage you to dive in, experiment with your favorite veggies, and most importantly, enjoy sharing this delightful salad with friends and loved ones.
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Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish perfect for warm days or as a hearty side. Featuring rotini pasta tossed with a zesty homemade dressing, crisp vegetables, olives, and creamy cubes of feta cheese, this salad combines Mediterranean flavors with easy preparation in just 30 minutes. Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch, this salad delivers a delightful blend of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 10 oz. rotini pasta
Vegetables & Cheese
- 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)
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. dried oregano
- ¼ tsp. dried parsley
- ¼ tsp. dried basil
- 1 tsp. salt (plus more to taste)
- â…› tsp. black pepper
Instructions
- Cook pasta. Cook the rotini pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Once cooked, rinse the pasta under cool running water to stop cooking and cool it down. Drain well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare dressing. Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey (if using), minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, parsley, basil, salt, and black pepper in a mason jar or blender.
- Emulsify dressing. Shake the mason jar vigorously or blend the ingredients for 10-20 seconds until the dressing is well emulsified and combined.
- Toss pasta with dressing. Pour the dressing over the cooled pasta in the large bowl and toss thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated.
- Add vegetables and cheese. Add the cubed feta cheese, halved grape tomatoes, diced English cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion to the dressed pasta. Add more salt to taste if desired.
- Combine salad. Gently toss all ingredients until just combined and the salad is uniformly mixed without breaking up the feta cubes.
- Serve or refrigerate. Serve the Greek Pasta Salad immediately or cover and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors meld and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- For best flavor, make the salad a few hours ahead and chill before serving.
- Honey in the dressing is optional and can be omitted for a less sweet taste.
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs like dill or mint for additional freshness.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
