The tangy, briny flavors of feta cheese and Kalamata olives take center stage in this Greek Pasta Salad, making every bite feel like a mini vacation to the Mediterranean. The creamy feta is a perfect counterpoint to the sharpness of red onions, while the tomatoes burst with juiciness, offering a sweet contrast to the zesty dressing. The combination of fresh herbs like oregano and a touch of garlic adds depth, drawing out the vibrant flavors of the other ingredients. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to linger at the table, savoring each bite. Whether you’re serving it for a summer barbecue, packing it for a picnic, or enjoying it as a quick weeknight dinner, this salad has a way of making any meal feel special. What’s even better is that it only gets tastier as it sits, allowing all those wonderful flavors to marinate together, giving you an even more delicious experience with each serving.
Key Ingredients in Greek Pasta Salad
Every great dish starts with fresh, flavorful ingredients that work together to create something truly special. In this Greek Pasta Salad, each component brings its own unique flavor and texture, contributing to the harmonious whole. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients that make this salad so irresistible:
* Cooked pasta – The base of the salad, providing a hearty, satisfying texture that holds all the other ingredients together. Use your favorite short pasta like penne or rotini for the perfect bite.
* Cherry tomatoes, halved – Sweet and juicy, these little bursts of flavor add freshness and color to the salad, balancing the tang of the feta and olives.
* Cucumber, diced – Crisp and refreshing, cucumber adds a cool crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy feta and briny olives.
* Red onion, thinly sliced – The sharpness of the red onion cuts through the richness of the olive oil and feta, giving the salad a zesty, aromatic kick.
* Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced – These olives bring that signature Mediterranean briny, savory flavor that elevates the entire salad. Their depth of flavor is a must for any Greek-inspired dish.
* Feta cheese, crumbled – Creamy and tangy, feta provides the signature Greek flavor and adds a richness that ties all the other ingredients together.
* Extra virgin olive oil – Rich and fruity, this high-quality olive oil is the backbone of the dressing, helping to coat the pasta and vegetables while enhancing the fresh, vibrant flavors.
* Red wine vinegar – A splash of tangy acidity from the red wine vinegar balances out the richness of the feta and olive oil, adding a zesty brightness to the dressing.
* Dried oregano – This herb is synonymous with Greek cuisine, bringing an earthy, slightly bitter note that complements the other fresh ingredients and ties them all together.
* Salt – A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors, ensuring the salad is well-seasoned without overpowering the natural ingredients.
* Black pepper – Freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle heat and depth, rounding out the flavors and giving the salad just the right amount of spice.
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. This step is important to stop the cooking process and help the pasta hold its texture in the salad.
2. While the pasta cools, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a large mixing bowl. This will allow the juicy, sweet tomatoes to release their flavor, creating a wonderful contrast with the other ingredients.
3. Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes. The cucumber’s refreshing crunch balances the richness of the feta and olives perfectly.
4. Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the other vegetables. The sharpness of the red onion brings a zesty bite to the salad that cuts through the creaminess of the feta.
5. Slice the Kalamata olives and toss them into the bowl with the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. These olives add a rich, briny flavor that is quintessential to Greek salads and ties everything together.
6. Crumble the feta cheese and add it to the bowl, scattering it over the vegetables and olives. The feta’s creamy texture and tangy flavor bring a wonderful richness to the salad.
7. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined. This dressing will coat the salad ingredients, bringing everything together with its zesty and herbaceous notes.
8. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients. Be careful not to crush the vegetables or feta as you toss!
9. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and carefully mix until all the ingredients are combined. Make sure the pasta is well-coated with the dressing and that the vegetables are evenly distributed.
10. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper if needed. It’s always a good idea to check the flavor and make sure everything is balanced to your liking.
11. Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate. This resting time lets all those delicious Mediterranean flavors meld together.
12. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the refreshing burst of Mediterranean flavors. Whether you serve it on a warm day or as part of a cozy meal, this salad is sure to impress!
Serving Suggestions for Greek Pasta Salad
* Pair it with grilled chicken or lamb – This salad makes the perfect side dish for grilled meats. The bright, tangy flavors of the salad complement the smoky, savory notes of grilled chicken or lamb, making every bite feel like a celebration.
* Serve as a light lunch – On a warm day, this Greek Pasta Salad is refreshing and filling on its own. Add a slice of whole grain bread or a piece of crusty baguette to soak up all the delicious dressing, and you’ve got a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
* Make it a picnic star – This salad is ideal for picnics or outdoor gatherings. It’s easy to transport, and the flavors develop beautifully as it sits, making it even better the longer it marinates. Pack it in a container and watch it disappear at your next gathering!
How to Store Greek Pasta Salad
To keep your Greek Pasta Salad fresh and flavorful, here are a few simple tips for storing it:
* Refrigerate in an airtight container – Store the salad in a sealed container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to 3 days, and the flavors will continue to meld as it sits.
* Keep the dressing separate – If you’re planning to store the salad for a longer time or need to pack it for lunch later, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This will help maintain the texture of the pasta and vegetables, especially the cucumber, which can get soggy if it sits in the dressing too long.
* Add fresh ingredients last – If you’re storing leftovers and plan to eat them again, consider adding fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers just before serving. This ensures they stay crisp and bright, making the salad even more enjoyable when you dig in again.
With these easy storage tips, you’ll have a Greek Pasta Salad that tastes just as good as the first time you made it!
Conclusion
And there you have it—the perfect Greek Pasta Salad! A vibrant, refreshing dish that’s as full of flavor as it is easy to make. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering, packing it for lunch, or just enjoying it as a light dinner, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit. I love how it brings together all those Mediterranean flavors, from the tangy feta to the briny olives, and the fresh crunch of cucumber. Plus, the best part is, it only gets better as it sits!
I hope you give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Have you made it before, or are you planning to? I’d love to hear your feedback or any tweaks you made to make it your own. And, if you have any questions or need help along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Thanks so much for hanging out with me in the kitchen—happy cooking!
Greek Pasta Salad
Description
A refreshing mix of tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty olive oil dressing. This Greek Pasta Salad bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors that’ll have you coming back for more!
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
-
While the pasta cools, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and place them in a large mixing bowl.
-
Dice the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with the tomatoes.
-
Thinly slice the red onion and add it to the bowl with the other vegetables.
-
Slice the Kalamata olives and toss them into the bowl with the tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
-
Crumble the feta cheese and add it to the bowl, scattering it over the vegetables and olives.
-
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
-
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything together to evenly coat the ingredients.
-
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl and carefully mix until all the ingredients are combined.
-
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
-
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate.
-
Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the refreshing burst of Mediterranean flavors.
Note
- For a more flavorful pasta salad, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
- You can substitute red onion with shallots for a milder flavor.
- To make it vegan, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative.
- Add a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for extra freshness.
- If you prefer more tang, increase the red wine vinegar or add a squeeze of lemon juice.
