Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Greek pasta salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish filled with the best Mediterranean flavors. Featuring a combination of crisp vegetables, briny feta cheese, and tangy dressing, it’s perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for picnics and barbecues. It's a versatile and quick recipe that’s simple to make, healthy, and can be served in various ways!
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Short pasta (like fusilli, farfalle, penne, or orzo)
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Cherry tomatoes (red and yellow)
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Cucumber
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Red bell pepper
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Olives (black or green)
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Feta cheese
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Red onion
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Olive oil
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Lemon juice
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Red wine vinegar
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Dijon mustard
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Dried oregano
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Minced garlic
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Salt and pepper
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Honey (optional)
Directions
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
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Add diced tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, olives, and red onion to the bowl.
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Toss in the cooked pasta and feta cheese, then mix to combine.
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Season with additional salt and pepper to taste and serve.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
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Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for extra protein.
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Swap the pasta for gluten-free varieties, or use chickpea pasta for a boost of protein.
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For a dairy-free version, use vegan feta cheese.
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Add extra veggies like zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes.
Storage/Reheating
This Greek pasta salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to marinate.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?
Yes, you can try mozzarella or Parmesan as an alternative.
How long can I store Greek pasta salad?
It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made up to a day in advance. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a filling meal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the pasta with gluten-free options like rice or chickpea pasta.
Is this recipe vegan?
This version is not vegan due to the feta, but you can easily make it vegan by using dairy-free feta cheese.
Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give it a little heat!
What other vegetables can I add?
You can add asparagus, mushrooms, or even roasted vegetables like zucchini.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
While homemade dressing gives the best flavor, you can use store-bought Greek or Italian dressing as a shortcut.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?
Rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to prevent it from absorbing too much dressing and becoming mushy.
Conclusion
This Greek pasta salad is a simple, quick, and healthy dish that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table. With fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served as a main or side, this vibrant salad will be a hit with family and friends!
Greek Pasta Salad with Feta
This Greek Pasta Salad with Feta is a refreshing, vibrant dish full of Mediterranean flavors. It features a colorful blend of crisp vegetables, briny feta cheese, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light meal, this simple and healthy recipe is versatile enough to serve as a side or main dish. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s an easy way to enjoy fresh and satisfying flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Salad, Side Dish, Mediterranean
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Short pasta (fusilli, farfalle, penne, or orzo)
Cherry tomatoes (red and yellow)
Cucumber
Red bell pepper
Olives (black or green)
Feta cheese
Red onion
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Red wine vinegar
Dijon mustard
Dried oregano
Minced garlic
Salt and pepper
Honey (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
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Add diced tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, olives, and red onion to the bowl.
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Toss in the cooked pasta and feta cheese. Mix to combine.
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Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Notes
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For added protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon are great additions.
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You can easily make the salad gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta or chickpea pasta for a protein boost.
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For a dairy-free version, swap feta for a vegan feta cheese alternative.
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Add extra vegetables like zucchini, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes for variety.