Greek Pasta Salad

If you’re in the mood for something fresh, vibrant, and absolutely delicious, this Greek Pasta Salad is the way to go. Bursting with colorful veggies, tangy feta, and a zesty dressing, it’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to a weeknight dinner. It’s simple, refreshing, and just the right balance of flavors—trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked. It’s the salad that’s all about making veggies fun and tasty!

Why You’ll Love Greek Pasta Salad

• Light and Fresh: With a mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and crisp greens, this salad is all about refreshing flavors that leave you feeling good after every bite.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is a breeze to put together! Toss together your ingredients, add the dressing, and you’re good to go.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: It’s an ideal dish to make ahead of time and keep in the fridge for a few days. It actually gets better as it sits, making it perfect for lunches or side dishes throughout the week.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for a BBQ, picnic, or dinner party, this salad always gets rave reviews. People love the combination of flavors, and it pairs well with just about anything.
• Customizable: Add your favorite ingredients! You can mix in grilled chicken for extra protein, swap the feta for goat cheese, or even throw in some roasted red peppers for a little extra sweetness.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this refreshing Greek pasta salad:

Pasta: The foundation of the salad. Use any short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle—something with grooves to hold all the delicious dressing.

Cucumbers: Fresh and crisp, they add a cool crunch to balance out the tangy flavors.

Cherry Tomatoes: These little bursts of sweetness bring color and a juicy bite.

Red Onion: Thinly sliced, the red onion gives the salad a mild bite that complements the other ingredients.

Kalamata Olives: These briny olives bring that signature Greek flavor that takes the salad to the next level.

Feta Cheese: Crumbled or in large blocks, feta gives the salad its signature tanginess and creamy texture.

Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil serves as the base for the dressing, adding richness and smoothness.

Red Wine Vinegar: This tangy vinegar balances the olive oil and brings a little zing to the dressing.

Garlic: Fresh garlic provides the perfect aromatic base for the dressing, adding a bit of spice without overwhelming the dish.

Dried Oregano: A must for that authentic Greek flavor. It brings a warm, earthy taste that’s perfectly complemented by the olive oil and vinegar.

Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the salad a bright, citrusy kick that makes all the flavors pop.

Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, just a pinch of each is enough to bring everything together.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to put it all together and create this delicious Greek pasta salad:

Cook the Pasta:

Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it and give it a quick rinse with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. This also helps the pasta hold up better in the salad.

Prepare the Veggies:

While the pasta cooks, slice the cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Make sure the slices are bite-sized for easy munching. Cut the cucumbers into half-moons or quarters, and slice the tomatoes in half.

Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you like it tangier, add more vinegar or lemon juice; if you prefer a richer dressing, a little more olive oil will do the trick.

Combine Everything:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the top and toss everything gently to coat evenly.

Chill and Serve:

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. This also helps the salad stay nice and cold. Before serving, give it one more gentle toss.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Greek Pasta Salad

Greek pasta salad can be served in so many ways! Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• As a Side Dish: This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. It’s the perfect complement to any Mediterranean-style dish.
• As a Main Dish: If you want to make it heartier, add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• With Pita Bread: Serve with some soft pita bread or warm flatbreads to scoop up the salad or wipe up any extra dressing on your plate.
• On Its Own: Sometimes, it’s just perfect as is. Grab a bowl and enjoy this refreshing salad as a light lunch or snack.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to make your Greek pasta salad even better:

• Make Ahead: This salad actually gets better as it sits! Feel free to make it a few hours or even a day ahead of time to let the flavors really come together.
• Swap Out Veggies: Add or remove veggies based on what you have on hand. Roasted red peppers, artichokes, or even some spinach would make great additions.
• Add Protein: For a more filling meal, add grilled chicken, salmon, or even some chickpeas to the salad.
• Adjust the Dressing: Feel free to make the dressing your own! You can add a little honey for sweetness or a splash of Dijon mustard for extra zing.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle. The key is to use something that will hold the dressing and mix well with the veggies.

Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes! In fact, this salad tastes even better when it has time to sit and marinate in the fridge. Just keep it chilled and give it a toss before serving.

Q3: Can I use store-bought dressing?
A3: Sure, if you’re in a pinch! However, the homemade dressing is what makes this salad so special. It’s so easy to whip up, and the flavor is worth it.

Q4: Can I use different cheese instead of feta?
A4: Definitely! If you’re not a fan of feta, try crumbled goat cheese or even a sharp cheddar for a different twist.

Q5: Is this salad gluten-free?
A5: Unfortunately, the pasta is not gluten-free. However, you can easily substitute with gluten-free pasta if you need to make this dish gluten-free.

Q6: How can I make this salad vegan?
A6: To make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or swap it for a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Q7: Can I add protein to this salad?
A7: Yes! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas would make great additions if you want to turn this into a more filling meal.

Q8: How do I store leftovers?
A8: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The salad will stay fresh, but it’s best enjoyed within a few days for the best flavor.

Q9: Can I use a different type of olive?
A9: Yes! While Kalamata olives are the classic choice for Greek salads, you can use any type of olives you like—green olives, black olives, or even a mix!

Q10: Can I make this salad spicier?
A10: Absolutely! You can add some crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing to give the salad a nice kick. If you’re a fan of spice, this is an easy way to customize the flavor.

Conclusion

This Greek Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together in a light yet satisfying dish. Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, packing it for lunch, or enjoying it as a light dinner, it’s a salad that’s sure to impress. With its crisp veggies, tangy dressing, and creamy feta, it’s got everything you could want in a salad—and then some. Enjoy every bite, and feel free to get creative with the ingredients!

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