Greek Pasta Salad

This Greek Pasta Salad is a Mediterranean dream in a bowl — bright, crisp, and bursting with bold flavor. With chewy rotini, juicy tomatoes, refreshing cucumber, tangy feta, and briny kalamata olives all tossed in a herby red wine vinaigrette, every bite delivers texture and taste in perfect harmony.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a crowd at a BBQ, or just craving something light and flavorful, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and a guaranteed hit at any table.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 12 oz rotini or penne pasta

• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1 cucumber, diced

• 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup kalamata olives, halved

• ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ¼ cup fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

• ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil

• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions:

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

2. While pasta cools, chop tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and olives.

3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake olive oil, vinegar, mustard, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper until combined.

4. In a large bowl, combine pasta, chopped vegetables, olives, and feta cheese.

5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.

6. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

7. Garnish with extra feta or fresh herbs. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 8 servings

A Mediterranean Staple with a Modern Twist

Greek Pasta Salad is one of those timeless dishes that beautifully blends fresh ingredients with bold, satisfying flavors. Originating from the principles of the Mediterranean diet, this salad draws inspiration from traditional Greek cuisine — where simplicity and flavor reign supreme. The classic Greek salad typically includes tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, onions, and feta, dressed in olive oil and vinegar. This recipe builds on that foundation by incorporating pasta, which transforms it into a more filling and versatile dish.

Adding pasta turns this side dish into a full-on meal, perfect for lunches, picnics, or as a light dinner. It captures the spirit of Mediterranean eating — fresh vegetables, healthy fats, and vibrant herbs — and pairs them with a satisfying base that holds up well in storage and transport. This salad isn’t just tasty, it’s practical, economical, and visually stunning.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This version of Greek Pasta Salad stands out for its balance of taste, texture, and nutrition. The rotini pasta acts as the perfect vehicle for the tangy vinaigrette, clinging to the herbs and spices in every twist and curve. The vegetables — cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion — provide crunch and freshness. Kalamata olives bring a salty, briny bite that pairs harmoniously with the creamy, crumbled feta.

But what really ties everything together is the homemade Greek dressing. Made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and oregano, it’s a bold yet refreshing vinaigrette that enhances every bite without overpowering the natural flavors of the produce. It’s light, herbaceous, and well-seasoned, proving you don’t need a heavy cream-based dressing to enjoy a deeply flavorful pasta salad.

Another reason this recipe is a go-to for many is its ease. No fancy tools are required. It uses familiar, affordable ingredients. And it’s ready in under 30 minutes — even faster if you prep your vegetables while the pasta cooks. This efficiency makes it ideal for weekday lunches or last-minute gatherings.

The Health Benefits of a Greek-Inspired Salad

Aside from being delicious, this salad is packed with nutrition. The Mediterranean diet has long been praised for its positive impact on heart health, inflammation, and longevity. Olive oil, the primary fat used in the dressing, is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. Tomatoes and bell peppers provide vitamin C and other immune-boosting nutrients. Cucumbers add hydration and fiber, while onions and garlic contain compounds known to support cardiovascular and digestive health.

Feta cheese, although indulgent, is lower in fat and calories compared to many other cheeses. It’s also a good source of calcium and protein, making the salad more satiating. The addition of whole vegetables increases the fiber content, helping with digestion and keeping you full longer.

Whether you’re following a vegetarian diet, aiming to eat cleaner, or simply want a meal that won’t weigh you down, this salad fits the bill.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Entertaining

Greek Pasta Salad is one of the few dishes that tastes even better the next day. As it chills in the refrigerator, the pasta absorbs more of the dressing, and the flavors marry beautifully. This makes it a top-tier choice for meal prepping. You can prepare it ahead of time, portion it out for lunches, and enjoy a healthy, satisfying meal without extra work during the week.

For gatherings, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s naturally vegetarian, easily scalable, and can be customized for various dietary needs. Hosting guests who are gluten-free? Just swap in a gluten-free pasta. Want to make it heartier? Add grilled chicken or chickpeas. It’s the kind of dish that can feed a group while catering to a range of preferences.

Because it’s served cold or at room temperature, there’s no last-minute reheating required — making it stress-free for busy hosts. Plus, its colorful appearance brings life to any buffet table, picnic spread, or potluck lineup.

Flavor and Texture in Every Forkful

What makes this salad irresistible is how each forkful delivers a variety of textures and complementary flavors. The pasta is soft yet firm, the vegetables crisp, the olives chewy and salty, and the feta adds that creamy, tangy contrast. You also get little hits of freshness from parsley or dill, especially if you use them as a final garnish.

The dressing plays a critical role here. Unlike store-bought varieties that often rely on sugars or preservatives, this homemade vinaigrette is clean and vibrant. Dijon mustard gives it body and a slight punch, while oregano infuses it with classic Greek flavor. Garlic rounds out the profile with a subtle pungency that ties everything together. This kind of dressing doesn’t just sit on top — it soaks into the pasta, creating flavor in every bite.

Versatility Is Its Superpower

This Greek Pasta Salad is incredibly adaptable. You can turn it into a main dish by adding grilled protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. Want more Mediterranean flair? Try tossing in artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes. If you’re going for a crunchier texture, sprinkle in toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds just before serving.

For a creamier version, stir a spoonful of Greek yogurt or mayo into the dressing. And if you’re short on time, bottled Greek dressing can be used in a pinch — though nothing beats the homemade version for freshness and depth of flavor.

Even the pasta can be swapped out. Penne, bowties, or even orzo can be used depending on your personal preference or pantry inventory. These variations ensure that you can make this recipe over and over without ever getting bored.

Tips to Nail the Perfect Greek Pasta Salad

• Salt your pasta water – It’s the only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.

• Rinse pasta in cold water – This halts cooking and keeps it from becoming mushy.

• Let it chill – Allow at least 30 minutes for the salad to rest in the fridge so the flavors meld.

• Use fresh herbs if possible – They elevate the salad’s aroma and finish.

• Chop ingredients uniformly – This ensures every bite includes a balanced combination of ingredients.

If you’re making it in advance for a party, keep the dressing separate and mix it just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.

Conclusion

Greek Pasta Salad is more than just a dish — it’s a celebration of color, flavor, and simplicity. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing weekday lunch, a vibrant side dish for a BBQ, or a crowd-pleasing potluck recipe, this salad delivers on every front. It’s healthy, quick to prepare, and endlessly customizable to fit your needs and taste preferences.

Best of all, it’s proof that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. With a handful of fresh ingredients and a homemade vinaigrette, you can enjoy a salad that’s as refreshing as it is filling — a true Mediterranean masterpiece that deserves a regular spot on your menu.