If you are craving a vibrant, refreshing dish that perfectly balances bright vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese, this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of textures and flavors that come together effortlessly, making it a crowd-pleaser for any potluck, picnic, or weeknight dinner. With its colorful medley and zesty dressing, each bite bursts with the authentic tastes of the Mediterranean, yet it’s so simple to prepare that it quickly becomes a favorite to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in delivering that classic Greek flavor and satisfying crunch. From fresh vegetables to the tang of red wine vinegar and richness of extra virgin olive oil, every element is essential for creating depth and balance.
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta: The perfect shape to catch all the dressing and hold onto the salad ingredients.
- 1 English cucumber: Adds cool, crisp texture and a little refreshing crunch.
- 10 ounces cherry tomato medley: Offers a burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 orange or red bell pepper: Brings a sweet crunch and bright hue to the mix.
- ¼ cup red onion: Finely chopped to provide a gentle pungency without overpowering.
- 4 ounces feta cheese: Crumbled for that salty, creamy element classic to Greek salads.
- ½ cup Kalamata olives: Coarsely chopped to infuse a briny, slightly earthy kick.
- ¼ cup fresh parsley: Finely chopped to add fresh herbal notes and color contrast.
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar: The acid that brightens the dressing and balances the richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Essential Greek herb that lends an unmistakable Mediterranean flavor.
- 3 garlic cloves: Minced to impart a subtle spicy warmth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the salad ingredients.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle heat that rounds out the dressing.
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and brings all flavors together with silky smoothness.
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
Start by cooking the bow tie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This is crucial because you want the pasta to hold its shape and texture as it mingles with the other ingredients. Once cooked, drain it well and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools the pasta down, preparing it perfectly for the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Veggies and Cheese
While the pasta is cooking, chop your English cucumber into half-moon slices, halve the cherry tomatoes, and cut the bell pepper into ½ inch pieces. Finely chop the red onion and parsley, and crumble the feta cheese. These fresh and colorful veggies will give your salad its crisp bite and mouthwatering freshness.
Step 3: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing
In a jar with a lid or a measuring cup, combine the red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Then add the extra virgin olive oil. Shake vigorously or stir well until everything is perfectly emulsified. This homemade dressing is what elevates this simple pasta salad into something extraordinary.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients for Maximum Flavor
In a large bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and parsley. This mix ensures that every bite offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Step 5: Dress and Chill the Salad
Pour the dressing over the salad, mixing thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Pop the salad into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Allowing the salad to chill lets the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a harmonious dish that tastes even better the next day. Keep in mind the pasta will absorb some dressing over time, so keep extra dressing on hand if you want to freshen it up before serving.
How to Serve Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To give your Greek Pasta Salad Recipe a stunning finishing touch, sprinkle some extra crumbled feta or fresh herbs like basil or additional parsley on top. A light drizzle of olive oil just before serving adds a lovely sheen and enhances the richness, making it irresistible.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or seafood for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal. Serve it alongside warm pita bread and some hummus to round out the flavors and keep things delightfully balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Greek Pasta Salad in individual mason jars for easy, picnic-friendly portions or hollow out a large bell pepper and use it as an edible bowl. These creative presentations elevate the dish and make it perfect for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once mixed and dressed, Greek Pasta Salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as the salad sits, though the pasta will soak up more dressing, so you may want to add a little more just before serving leftover portions.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh vegetables and feta cheese can become watery and change texture after thawing. It’s best to enjoy the salad fresh or within a few days of making it.
Reheating
Reheating is generally unnecessary and not ideal for Greek Pasta Salad Recipe. This dish shines served cold or at room temperature to showcase its fresh, crisp vegetables and tangy dressing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Greek Pasta Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta works wonderfully, feel free to swap in rotini, penne, or fusilli—any pasta that holds dressing well and offers good bite will work great.
How long should I let the salad chill before serving?
Ideally, chill your Greek Pasta Salad Recipe for at least 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to meld. If you’re short on time, 15 minutes is still fine, but longer resting enhances the taste.
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes! The dressing can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good shake or stir before adding it to your salad.
What’s the best way to make this salad vegan?
To keep the Greek Pasta Salad Recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with a plant-based cheese alternative. The salad will still be deliciously fresh and satisfying.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This salad holds up well in the fridge for a few days, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe that makes it an all-time favorite in my kitchen. Its bright flavors, satisfying textures, and effortless preparation make it a go-to whenever I want a dish that’s both nourishing and crowd-pleasing. I highly encourage you to dive in and make this salad your own—once you taste it, I promise it will become one of your cherished recipes too.
Print
Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Greek Pasta Salad featuring bow tie pasta tossed with fresh cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a zesty homemade red wine vinaigrette dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a light meal any time of the year.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 12 ounces bow tie pasta (cooked according to package directions)
- 1 English cucumber (cut into ½ inch pieces)
- 10 ounces cherry tomato medley (cut in half)
- 1 orange or red bell pepper (seeded and cut into ½ inch pieces)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 4 ounces feta cheese (crumbled, approximately 1 cup)
- ½ cup Kalamata olives (coarsely chopped)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the English cucumber into half-inch pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the orange or red bell pepper into half-inch pieces, finely chop the red onion, and coarsely chop the Kalamata olives. Crumble the feta cheese and chop the fresh parsley finely.
- Make the dressing: In a jar with a lid or a measuring cup, combine red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and extra virgin olive oil. Mix vigorously with a whisk or shake well in the jar until the dressing is fully emulsified.
- Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and parsley. Toss gently to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Add dressing and chill: Give the dressing another quick shake or stir, then pour it over the salad. Mix thoroughly to ensure every component is coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and develop. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Optionally, prepare extra dressing to add later as the pasta absorbs it over time.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten-free if needed.
- The salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days and tastes even better after chilling overnight.
- For a vegan version, omit the feta or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
- Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors further.
- You can prepare the dressing in advance and store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
