Easy Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors while being incredibly simple to throw together, this Easy Greek Pasta Salad is your new best friend. Perfect for warm evenings, potlucks, or whenever you want a refreshing, colorful meal, this salad combines perfectly al dente pasta with crisp veggies, salty olives, creamy feta, and a tangy homemade dressing that truly sings. Every bite is a celebration of fresh ingredients and vibrant tastes, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Greek Pasta Salad relies on a handful of straightforward yet essential ingredients that come together to deliver a symphony of textures and flavors. Each component plays a key role, from the tender pasta that provides a satisfying base to the fresh vegetables that add crunch and color, all balanced by a tangy, herb-filled dressing.

• 16 ounces rotini: The spiral shape holds onto the dressing and veggies spectacularly well.
• ¾ English cucumber (diced): Adds a refreshing, crisp bite to lighten the salad.
• 1 pint grape tomatoes (halved): Sweet and juicy, they bring a lovely pop of color.
• 1 bell pepper, red or orange (diced): Offers a subtle sweetness and vibrant hue.
• ½ cup sliced pitted olives: Brings that classic briny tang Greek salads are famous for.
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and salty, it enhances every bite with rich flavor.
• ⅓ cup diced red onion: Gives a punch of sharpness and crunch.
• 1 cup Greek dressing: The heart of the salad that ties all ingredients together in a zesty embrace.
• ¼ cup red wine vinegar: Adds bright acidity to the dressing.
• ⅓ cup olive oil: Smooths out the dressing with its fruity richness.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers comforting depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses the salad with authentic Mediterranean aroma.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out each ingredient’s best.

How to Make Easy Greek Pasta Salad

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Begin by combining the red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and emulsified, making sure all the flavors meld into a zesty and vibrant base. This easy homemade dressing instantly elevates the salad beyond the ordinary.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Next, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for mixing. This step ensures the pasta doesn’t get soggy and keeps the salad delightfully fresh.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, halved grape tomatoes, diced bell pepper, olives, crumbled feta, and red onion. Pour in the dressing and gently toss all the ingredients until everything is evenly coated. This creates that beautiful blend of colors and textures Greek pasta salad lovers rave about.

Step 4: Chill and Marinate

For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least two hours. This resting time allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and veggies, melding all the ingredients together so every bite is bursting with Mediterranean goodness.

How to Serve Easy Greek Pasta Salad

Garnishes

To add a little extra special touch, sprinkle additional crumbled feta and a few whole olives on top right before serving. Fresh chopped parsley or a few torn mint leaves can also brighten up the dish visually and add a refreshing herbal note that complements the salad wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This Easy Greek Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like lemon-herb chicken or lamb kebabs. You can also serve it alongside warm pita bread and hummus for a full Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s as satisfying as it is colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed-out bell peppers or individual mason jars for a picnic-ready presentation. You can even layer it as a dip with Greek yogurt and herbs, perfect for parties or gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Easy Greek Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It tastes just as delicious the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the cucumbers and tomatoes can become watery and lose their texture. It’s better to make a fresh batch if you’re planning to serve it later.

Reheating

Since this Easy Greek Pasta Salad is served cold, reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer a slightly warmer dish, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rotini is perfect for holding onto the dressing and ingredients, penne or farfalle also work beautifully in this recipe.

Is it okay to substitute the olives?

If you’re not a fan of olives, you can omit them or swap them for capers or artichoke hearts for a different but still delicious briny flavor.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly version of the Easy Greek Pasta Salad.

How long will the salad keep in the refrigerator?

It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas make excellent additions to turn this salad into a more filling main dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about how simple ingredients come together to create such a vibrant, tasty dish in this Easy Greek Pasta Salad. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to share with friends, bring to every gathering, and keep in your back pocket for a quick, refreshing meal. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite summer salad, too!

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