This delicious Greek Pasta Salad is a total treat ... it's quick, easy to make, and bursting with fresh flavors!
This is a recipe you'll turn to again and again, perfect for all your summer meals ... make it tonight!
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We've had some really warm days lately, and it has me thinking about summer (which in Texas is truly just around the corner).
Although I'm not ready for shorts and tank tops juuust yet, bring on the fresh veggies and sunny weather. That, I am here for!
If you're feeling the same, then you have to try this delicious Greek Pasta Salad recipe.
Talk about a bowl of sunshine ... just look at all those beautiful colors and healthy veggies. And you know what? It tastes even better than it looks! One bite, and you'll want to enjoy this easy recipe this spring, summer, and beyond.
About the Recipe
Are you a Greek Salad lover? Personally, I adore the fresh, bright, bold flavors found in that tasty salad ... it's a classic for a reason.
With summer coming up, it seemed like the perfect time to turn those flavors into a crave-worthy pasta salad. One that's perfect for all your summer parties and BBQs, not to mention, dinner any old night of the week.
This Greek Pasta Salad recipe has everything you love about that salad ... chunks of feta, briny olives, crunchy veggies, and a zesty homemade dressing. Yum!
Are you getting hungry yet? Then grab the ingredients, because I know you're going to love this easy recipe just as much as I do!
Ingredients
The ingredients for this vegetarian pasta salad were inspired by the popular salad! Here's what you'll need:
- Pasta
- Fresh Veggies: Tomatoes, Red Onion, Bell Peppers, Cucumbers
- Feta Cheese
- Kalamata Olives
- Fresh Parsley
- Homemade Greek Dressing
Pasta Tips: I prefer to use short, spiral-shaped pasta, like rotini, cavatappi, or fusilli for this recipe ... I used fusilli corti bucati (basically, a tubular fusilli), which was really fun and springy! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta.
Vegan? Leave out the feta and make sure to use vegan sugar (look for organic cane sugar) in the dressing.
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad
This yummy pasta salad couldn't be easier to make, so let's get started!
This first thing you need to do is cook the pasta until al dente. If you overcook the pasta, your pasta salad will be mushy and the pasta will fall apart as you mix the salad ... so keep a close eye on it.
Once the pasta is done cooking, drain it in a colander, then rinse it under cold water. Rinsing the pasta stops it from cooking further, and it removes any starch from the outside of the pasta, which prevents the salad from sticking together.
After the pasta is rinsed, let it drain really well. You don't want excess water to dilute the dressing.
Making the Dressing
This pasta salad dressing is super quick to make and full of bright flavors.
Simply whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and sugar together until emulsified (well combined).
Season the dressing generously with salt and pepper, and then it's done. Wasn't that easy?
Prepping the Veggies
Next, you can cut up all the veggies.
The main thing to keep in mind when chopping the veggies is that you want everything to be about the same size. That way, the salad is pleasing to look at and easy to eat.
You'll also want to rinse the red onion under cold water. This removes any sharp, bitter flavor the onion might have, making it less likely to overpower the dish.
Finishing the Salad
Once your pasta is ready and your veggies and dressing are prepped, it's time to mix everything together.
I like to use a pair of wood spoons for this and toss gently, pulling from the bottom of the bowl. Take your time so the pasta maintains its shape.
When everything is mixed, give it a taste. Add a little extra salt and pepper to bring out the flavors, if necessary.
And that's it ... your yummy pasta salad with feta, cucumbers, tomatoes, and other goodies is ready to eat!
Aren't the colors in this easy pasta salad gorgeous? And with one bite, you'll know that it tastes just as wonderful as it looks.
Serve this healthy Greek Pasta Salad as side dish or main course. It's perfect for parties, BBQs, weeknight dinners, and even meal prep.
Whenever you serve it though, this is one recipe neither you, nor your guests, will be able to resist!
Related Recipes
Looking for more pasta salad ideas? Try one of these recipes next:
- Greek Tortellini Salad
- Southwest Pasta Salad
- Italian Pasta Salad
- Cold Asian Noodle Salad
- Kale Pasta Salad
If it's Greek or Mediterranean flavors you're craving, then you're going to love these recipes, too:
- Grilled Halloumi Salad
- Greek Quinoa Salad
- Fried Feta Saganaki
- Greek Coleslaw
- Baked Feta with Tomatoes and Olives
- Greek Veggie Burgers
And you can find all my Greek-inspired recipes here!
Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) package pasta (such as rotini, cavatappi, fusilli, etc.)
Dressing:
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- salt
- pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved or quartered (depending on size)
- ½ red onion, chopped and rinsed under cold water
- 1 English cucumber, quartered and sliced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 8 ounces feta cheese, diced (or crumbled)
- ½ cup halved kalamata olives
- ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
- Drain pasta, then rise well under cold water.
- While pasta is cooking, whisk together dressing ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and sugar). Season generously to taste with salt and pepper.
- Combine pasta, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, bell pepper, feta, olives, and parsley in a large bowl. Pour dressing over top and mix well.
- Taste pasta salad, then adjust seasoning to taste with additional salt and pepper, if desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!
Nutrition
What are your favorite pasta salad ingredients?
I was looking for a salad recipe for the whole family and I stumbled on this article. I read and followed the instructions carefully and I made it deliciously! Every member of my family is so happy! Thanks for this!
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Kate, and that your family loved it, too! 🙂