Name: Greek Pasta Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 137 min
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (plus 2 teaspoons); ½ cup olive oil; 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 4 to 5 garlic cloves minced; 1 teaspoon oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 16 ounces rotini pasta; ½ English cucumber (cut lengthwise and then sliced across in half-moons); ½ cup yellow bell pepper (seeded and cut into bite-size pieces); ½ cup red bell pepper seeded (and cut into bite-size pieces); 1 cup red onion sliced (soaked in 1 cup cold salt water to reduce the “bite”); 1 cup kalamata olives sliced and pitted; 2 cups grape tomatoes halved; 5 ounces Feta cheese crumbled

This Greek Pasta Salad is a refreshing, easy-to-make dish bursting with the flavors of Greece. It's perfect for any occasion, loved by all ages, and can be customized to suit any taste. Ready in minutes, it's a wholesome choice that satisfies.

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Table of Contents

Ingredients
Substitutions and Additions
How to Make
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Making this Recipe FAQ
Serving this Recipe FAQ
Storing this recipe FAQ
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Table of Contents

Get ready to whip up a seriously easy and delicious Greek Pasta Salad that's perfect for any season! This crowd-pleaser is ready in 30 minutes or less, features fewer than five ingredients, and is a hit with both kids and adults alike.

It's the ideal dish to brighten up your meal and impress at any gathering.

a bowl of greek salad topped with feta cheese

More Recipes ⭐ Caesar Pasta Salad | Dill Pickle Pasta Salad | Macaroni Salad | Amish Macaroni Salad | Tuna Pasta Salad

Greek Pasta Salad is the ultimate go-to for a quick, nutritious meal. Whether you're hosting a picnic or just need a fast weeknight dinner, its vibrant flavors and simple preparation make it a top choice. This salad blends crisp vegetables with tangy dressing, making every bite a delight.

Moreover, this salad scales beautifully, making it perfect for large family gatherings or cozy dinners. Its versatile nature allows everyone to customize their plate with their favorite toppings, ensuring smiles all around!

Ingredients

What you'll need to make this easy pasta salad:

3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons of red wine vinegar
½ cup of olive oil
3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
4 or 5 fresh garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon of oregano
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
16-ounce box of rotini pasta
½ English cucumber cut lengthwise and then sliced across (half-moons)
½ cup of yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into bite-size pieces
½ cup of red bell pepper, seeded and cut into bite-size pieces
1 cup of sliced red onion (soaked in 1 cup of cold salt water to reduce the “bite”)
1 cup of sliced and pitted Kalamata olives
2 cups of grape tomatoes, halved
5 ounces of crumbled Feta cheese

Substitutions and Additions

These easy substitutions and additions can easily be swapped out while still maintaining the deliciousness of this vegetarian pasta dish!

Pasta: Feel free to mix it up with your pasta choice. Fusilli, bow ties, or penne are great for catching all the dressing. Orzo or even tortellini can make your salad even more substantial. Whole wheat pasta is also a fantastic healthy option.

Olives: Love olives? Kalamata olives are authentic and flavorful, but black olives are a great substitute. Not a fan? Simply skip them!

Add Protein: Boost the protein by adding chopped grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken. It's a filling addition that complements the salad wonderfully.

Avocado: For a touch of creaminess, add avocado right before serving. It's best fresh and doesn't refrigerate well in the salad.

Tomatoes: No grape tomatoes? No problem. Cherry tomatoes are a perfect substitute, adding a juicy pop to every forkful!

How to Make

Start by cooking your pasta to al dente perfection—it should be tender yet slightly firm to the bite. While it cooks, chop your veggies and prepare the dressing. Remember to shake or stir the dressing well before adding it to the pasta. Once mixed, throw in your extras like olives and feta, and voilà! Your Greek Pasta Salad is ready to serve.

FIRST STEP: In a small jar or bowl, make the salad dressing by combining the red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

combine vinegar, olive oil, lemon, oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic

SECOND STEP: Boil the pasta in a large pot until al dente, approximately 7 minutes (be very careful not to overcook the pasta). Drain and immediately rinse the cooked pasta with cold water to prevent further cooking.

Pro Tip

For the perfect Greek Pasta Salad, aiming for 'al dente' pasta is the way to go. This means your pasta will be tender yet retain a slightly firm texture when you bite into it, ensuring that each forkful is just right.

Cooking your pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy, especially when mixed with the salad's dressing and ingredients, making every bite perfectly satisfying.

THIRD STEP: Chop all of your vegetables. Then in a large bowl, combine your vegetables with the feta cheese and dressing.

Pro Tip

Shaking or stirring the dressing well before adding it to your Greek Pasta Salad is crucial. This step ensures that all the flavors are well combined and evenly distributed throughout the salad. It helps the dressing coat every piece of pasta, vegetable, and cheese uniformly, enhancing the overall taste and ensuring each bite is as delicious as the last.

salad dressing being poured onto vegetables in a bowl

FOURTH STEP: Mix in your pasta and stir until everything is well combined and coated.

FIFTH STEP: Cover and store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or even overnight.

pasta mixed in a bowl with other salad ingredients

How To Serve

At a Picnic: Pack this salad for your next outdoor adventure. Its robust flavors are even better under the open sky, and it holds up well, making it perfect for picnics. Just keep it cool to maintain freshness.

As a Side Dish: Greek Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. Whether it's grilled chicken, fish, or a vegetarian option like stuffed peppers, this salad adds a refreshing touch to any meal.

Bulk it Up: For a heartier dish, add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even some flaked salmon. These proteins transform it from a simple side to a satisfying main dish, ideal for a fulfilling meal any day of the week.

Each serving option is designed to make the most of this versatile salad, ensuring it's a hit no matter how you dish it out.

a plate of greek salad topped with feta cheese

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in a snap, making it a perfect choice for busy weekdays or a last-minute potluck addition. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a flavorful dish ready in no time.

Versatile: Adapt it to your taste or dietary needs with ease. Gluten-free pasta, a variety of vegetables, or different proteins can be swapped in to cater to anyone's preference or dietary restrictions.

Full of Flavor: The combination of fresh veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing ensures each forkful is packed with flavor. The fresh ingredients meld together to create a dish that's as tasty as it is colorful.

Enjoy a dish that not only feeds the body but also delights the taste buds, making it a beloved recipe for any occasion.

a bowl and a plate of greek salad topped with feta cheese

Making this Recipe FAQ

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
To prevent sticking, toss the drained pasta with a little olive oil or the salad dressing immediately after cooking. This coats the pasta and keeps it from clumping together as it cools.

Can I prepare this salad the day before?
Yes, you can! For the best flavor, prepare the salad and store it in the fridge overnight without the dressing. Add the dressing a few hours before serving to keep everything vibrant and fresh.

Is this salad healthy?
Greek Pasta Salad is packed with vegetables and can be very healthy. Choose whole grain pasta and add plenty of veggies. For a lower calorie option, consider a lighter dressing or less feta cheese.

What can I do to enhance the flavor of my Greek Pasta Salad?
For an extra flavor boost, add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Marinating the veggies in the dressing before adding them to the pasta can also deepen the flavors.

two bowls of greek salad topped with feta cheese

Serving this Recipe FAQ

What is the best way to serve Greek Pasta Salad?
Serve this salad chilled to enhance its flavors. It's perfect as a standalone dish or paired with grilled meats for a more robust meal. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side on warm days.

Can I add anything to the salad right before serving?
Yes, a fresh sprinkle of herbs like parsley or basil can add a burst of flavor. Adding ingredients like crumbled feta or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving keeps them vibrant and flavorful.

How can I make the presentation of this salad more appealing?
Use a mix of colorful vegetables like red onions, cherry tomatoes, and green peppers. Serve it in a clear bowl or layer it in a glass trifle dish to show off the beautiful colors and textures.

Is this salad suitable for outdoor events?
Absolutely! Greek Pasta Salad is very portable and can handle outdoor temperatures well, making it great for picnics, outdoor parties, and potlucks. Just keep it covered and in a cool spot until ready to serve.

Storing this recipe FAQ

How long can I keep Greek Pasta Salad in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, Greek Pasta Salad can last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Remember to stir it well before serving as the dressing may settle at the bottom.

Can Greek Pasta Salad be frozen?
Freezing is not recommended for this salad as the fresh vegetables and pasta may become soggy when thawed.

How do I refresh Greek Pasta Salad after storing?
If the salad seems a bit dry after refrigeration, freshen it up by adding a little extra virgin olive oil or some additional dressing. Give it a good mix to redistribute the flavors and moisture.

What is the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover Greek Pasta Salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the best quality, make sure the salad is covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.

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