This Easy Greek Pasta Salad is bright, colorful, and packed with tasty veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives. The best part? It’s super quick to make!
Perfect for busy days, you can whip this up in no time. I love to add some feta cheese for a creamy touch, and it’s great for lunch or a side dish. Yum! 🍅
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I used penne for its fun shape, but feel free to swap it out for rotini, bowtie, or any pasta you have on hand. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta is also a great alternative!
Kalamata Olives: These provide a tangy, bold flavor. If you don’t have them, try using green olives, or even cherry tomatoes if you’re not a fan of olives.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds creaminess and a slight tang. If you need a dairy-free option, look for plant-based feta or leave it out altogether. The salad still tastes great!
Red Onion: For a milder flavor, you can replace red onion with green onions or shallots. They still give a nice crunch without being too overpowering.
How Do I Make a Flavorful Dressing?
Creating a tasty dressing is crucial for a good pasta salad. It brings everything together! Here’s how:
- Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed—add a bit more vinegar for tang or salt for flavor.
- Don’t skip letting the salad chill—resting in the fridge helps all these lovely flavors come out.
Easy Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Veggies:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie work well)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Topping:
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This quick and easy pasta salad takes about 15 minutes of prep time. If you allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving, it will taste even better as the flavors develop. Total time: around 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a little bite to it. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
2. Combine the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped red onion, and chopped parsley. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing adds so much flavor!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggie mixture. Toss gently until everything is well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to crush the pasta!
5. Add Feta Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad. Give it a gentle stir just to mix in the feta a little bit without breaking it apart too much.
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This is an important step as it helps the flavors come together beautifully.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, you can enjoy your Greek Pasta Salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s a perfect side dish or a light meal that’s deliciously refreshing!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne, rotini, and bowtie pasta work great, any pasta type you prefer will do. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions for the pasta you choose.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian or Vegan?
This salad is already vegetarian, but to make it vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative. You can also add extra veggies or chickpeas for added protein!
Can I Prep This Salad the Night Before?
Yes, you can prepare the salad the night before! Just keep it covered in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to add the feta cheese right before serving to prevent it from getting too soft.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious the next day! Just give it a bit of a stir before serving again.
