Greek Pasta Salad

The Ultimate Easy Greek Pasta Salad Recipe: Learn How To Make This Medieterranean Pasta Salad with Feta and tons of chunky vegetables. Plus, it’s a marvelous make-ahead!

Easy Greek Pasta 

Pasta salads are a fabulous make-ahead dish we enjoy regularly here in the US. However, it’s always fun (and tasty) to add in flavors we love from other parts of the world!

Today I’m sharing a simple Greek Pasta Salad Recipe made with cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and feta cheese.

It’s a classic Greek-American side dish (or vegetarian main dish) that is perfect for casual parties, potlucks, weekly meal prep, and picnics, because it tastes fabulous for several days, and can sit out at room temperature for several hours.

Why This Is Our Favorite Pasta Salad Recipe

Most Greek Pasta Salad Recipes are pretty similar. They tend to include:

• Swirly Pasta (or Orzo)
• Olives
• Cucumbers
• Tomatoes
• Bell Peppers
• Feta Cheese
• Greek Vinaigrette

Here, we’ve added all these ingredients, but have also made a few minor changes that we feel make a big difference.

First and foremost, we skip the vinegar in the vinaigrette and add fresh lemon juice instead. The fresh flavor of the lemon really helps the other fresh produce to pop. Sometimes wine vinegar(s) leave a heavy, yet acidic flavor.

Also, skip the crumbled feta that comes in a tub, and buy a block of feta cheese. That way, you can cut big chunks for your Greek Pasta Salad. When you use the pre-crumbled variety it tends to break down in the dressing.

We like to add fresh and dried herbs to the salad. I know it’s easiest to rely on dried herbs from your pantry. Yet you really miss out on big flavor! We like to use dried garlic and oregano, then fresh parsley and mint leaves.

However, if you cannot find fresh herbs (or dried herbs) you can swap these ingredients as needed.

Mediterranean Pasta Salad Ingredient List

For the Greek Pasta Salad:

• Dried pasta – I like to use gemelli or fusilli.
• Grape tomatoes
• English cucumber
• Bell pepper – any color
• Red onion
• Parsley
• Mint leaves
• Kalamata olives – pitted (or your favorite olive)
• Feta cheese

For the Salad Dressing:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dried oregano
• Garlic powder
• Salt and pepper

How To Make Greek Pasta Salad

1. Cook the Pasta. Set a large pot of salted water over high heat. Bring to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and pour it into a large salad bowl.
2. Chop and Slice. Meanwhile, chop all the fresh produce. Squeeze the lemons. Then cut the block of feta cheese into small 1/2 inch cubes.
3. Whisk the Vinaigrette. In a small bowl mix the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Whisk well to combine.
4. Toss. Place all the vegetables, herbs, and olives in the salad bowl. Pour the greek dressing over the top. Toss to coat.
5. Add the Cheese. Then add the feta cheese to the bowl. Gently fold to combine. Taste, then salt and pepper as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Get the Full (Printable) Best Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Recipe Below. Enjoy!

Variations and Swaps

This salad is amazing with its simplistic fresh herby flavors. However, you can mix things up by adding:

• Grilled Chicken
• Roasted Shrimp
• Prosciutto
• Roasted Red Peppers
• Green or Black Olives
• Red Wine Vinegar (instead of lemon juice)
• Artichoke Hearts
• Heart of Palm
• Pickled Peppers

You can also use any shape of pasta that you like, although smaller bite-size pasta works the best.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long In Advance Can You Make This Recipe? 

Make and serve within 5 days for the best flavor and texture. However, you can eat the leftovers for up to one week.

How Do You Store Greek Pasta Salad?

Keep it in an airtight container and place the pasta salad in the refrigerator. Then before serving, shake the container to redistribute the dressing.

Can You Make A Gluten-Free Version? 

You can make this recipe with gluten-free pasta and it turns out fantastic! Just remember, gluten-free pasta tends to break down faster than wheat pasta. So you will need to eat it within 2 days.

More Greek Dishes

• Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
• Horiatiki (Greek Village Salad)
• Greek Omelette Casserole
• Grilled Greek Pizza
• Greek Chicken Souvlaki
• Saucy Greek Lemon Meatballs (Keftedes)
• Greek Burgers
• My Big Fat Greek Salad
• Greek Shrimp Pasta

More Make-Ahead Pasta Salads

• The Best Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
• Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta Salad
• Tuna Pasta Salad with Olives and Capers
• Cool Chicken Taco Pasta Salad
• The Best Macaroni Salad Recipe
• Tortellini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

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