Greek Pasta Salad
This refreshing Greek Pasta Salad brings bright Mediterranean flavors to your table with its perfect balance of tangy, salty, and fresh elements. Unlike many pasta salads that become soggy disappointments, this recipe maintains its vibrant texture and flavor profile even days after preparation, making it the ideal make-ahead option for busy households.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Chilling Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal
Large Pot
Mixing Bowl
Colander
Sharp Knife
Cutting Board
Pasta Salad
- 8 oz rotini pasta or penne, farfalle, or any short pasta
- 1 English cucumber diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup kalamata olives pitted and halved
- 6 oz feta cheese crumbled (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
Greek Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cook pasta in generously salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to halt cooking, then toss with a splash of olive oil to prevent clumping.
While the pasta cooks, prepare your vegetables. Dice cucumber into 1/2-inch pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, cut the bell pepper into small pieces, and thinly slice the red onion. Halve the kalamata olives and chop the fresh herbs.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and Dijon mustard until emulsified. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with prepared vegetables, olives, and herbs. Pour two-thirds of the dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the salad and gently fold it in, preserving its distinctive texture. Reserve a small amount for garnishing.
Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, drizzle with remaining dressing, top with the reserved feta and additional fresh herbs for visual appeal.
For meal prep, keep dressing separate until 30 minutes before serving.
Allow to come to cool room temperature before serving for optimal flavor perception.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 9gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 580mgPotassium: 390mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 67mgCalcium: 180mgIron: 2mg
Keyword Greek Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Pasta Salad, Summer Salad, Meal Prep