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Greek Pasta Salad at Home

6 servings

Salads

Greek Pasta Salad at Home

This Greek Pasta Salad has tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy onion, and creamy feta, all tossed in the best mayo-free Greek dressing.

It is satisfying to adding in some protein by serving grilled Greek Chicken or baked Greek Meatballs on the side.

author’s note

This Salad Deserves an Invite to Every BBQ!

This Greek Pasta Salad is one of my go-to warm-weather recipes. It’s fresh, light, and packed with crisp veggies. reliable when it’s too hot to turn on the oven. I’ve brought this to more potlucks than I can count, and every time, someone asks for the recipe. It’s simple but always a crowd favorite!

Between the tangy dressing and all the garden-fresh veggies, this salad feels just right when you’re craving something light and flavorful.

Don’t get me wrong, It is satisfying to a good creamy pasta salad (like this Macaroni Salad or Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad). But sometimes, I want something that won’t weigh me down. This version checks all the boxes: straightforward, refreshing, and full of flavor.

All the ingredients used in this dish prepped out for straightforward assembly.

Ingredients Needed

  • Pasta: It is satisfying to using bowtie pasta because its shape soaks up the dressing nicely.
  • Cucumber: Use English or mini cucumbers. If using large ones, peel and remove the seeds.
  • Bell Pepper: Green peppers add balance with less sweetness, but red, yellow, or orange work too.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Halve or quarter based on size.
  • Flavor Boosters: Olives and red onion for tang, and parsley for freshness.
  • Feta: Use good-quality feta for creamy, tangy flavor, or skip for dairy-free.
  • Greek Dressing: A mix of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, honey, mustard, garlic, and oregano—sweet, tangy, and balanced.

Featured Comment

Love this recipe! I have made it many times. Seriously, I could eat it every day. My go-to for a side dish or just for lunch!

– Suzy

Quick Tip

Take away the bite of red onion: If you’re sensitive to the flavor of raw onion, soak the diced onions in salted ice water for 10 minutes. Drain well before adding to the salad.

The salad dressing for this Greek Pasta Salad being made in a mason jar.

How To Make Greek Pasta Salad

  1. Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, then rinse with cold water and keep nearby.
  2. Prepare Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a mason jar, shake well, and pop in the fridge.
  3. Prep Vegetables: Chop all veggies.
  4. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with prepared veggies.
  5. Add Dressing: Add dressing to taste, then gently mix.
  6. Finish with Feta: Top with feta cheese, adjust seasonings as needed, and enjoy!

What To Serve With Greek Pasta Salad

  • Grilled or Baked Meats: Like chicken, lamb, or baked cod.
  • Pita and Hummus: For a creamy side or fun appetizer.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Like broccoli and bell peppers. Grilled veggies would also make for a satisfying side.
  • Meze Platter: With tzatziki, olives, and feta.
  • Fresh Fruit: Watermelon, grapes, or figs for a sweet finish.
The pasta and veggies being added to a large bowl.

Variations

Greek Pasta Salad Swaps And Flavor Twists

  • Gluten-free: Lentil or brown-rice pasta work great here.
  • Vegan: Take out the feta and use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing.
  • High-protein: mix in two cups of cooked chickpeas or a diced rotisserie chicken.
  • Spicy kick: Whisk ½ tsp crushed red-pepper flakes into the dressing.

The dressing being poured over the Greek Pasta Salad.

Storage

How Long Will Greek Pasta Salad Last?

  • This salad stays fresh in the fridge for 2-3 days.
  • It tastes best on the day it’s made; over time, the flavors of onion and olives get stronger, and the pasta continues to absorb the dressing, making it slightly dry.

Make Ahead Of Time

  • Store ingredients (veggies, pasta, feta cheese, dressing) separately in the fridge in meal prep containers.
  • Assemble each serving just before eating to keep the salad fresh for up to 5 days.

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Best Pasta To Use In A Pasta Salad?

The best pasta for salad is short, sturdy kinds that mix well and can pick up dressing and small bits. Here are my top picks:

  1. Farfalle (bowtie): Good for holding dressing and veggies.
  2. Rotini (spirals): The twists are able to grab lots of dressing. I use it in a reliable Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad.
  3. Penne: The tube shape is able to catch herbs and veggies.
  4. Orecchiette: This fun bowl shape holds on to dressing well. I use it in this popular Autumn Crunch Pasta Salad.

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