Name: Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 2 h 27 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 16 ounces gemelli or rotini pasta; 1 English cucumber, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; ½ cup pitted kalamata olives; 6 ounces feta cheese, cubed; ½ cup olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 lemon, juiced; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon cracked pepper

Introduction

This Greek Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm days. Packed with crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a zesty homemade dressing, it’s a delightful side or light meal that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

16 ounces gemeli or rotini pasta
1 English cucumber (sliced)
1 red bell pepper (diced)
1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved)
½ red onion (thinly sliced)
½ cup pitted kalamata olives
6 ounces feta cheese (cubed)
½ cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 lemon (juiced)
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cracked pepper

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the cucumber, red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, kalamata olives, and feta cheese to the bowl with the pasta. Toss gently to combine.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and cracked pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Tips & Variations

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary-friendly option.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill for extra freshness.
For a protein boost, include grilled chicken or chickpeas.
Letting the salad sit overnight enhances the flavors even more.

Storage

Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. It can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature but avoid freezing as the texture may change.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowtie works well. Choose a shape that holds the dressing and ingredients nicely.

How long should I marinate the salad?

Refrigerating the salad for at least 2 hours allows the flavors to blend beautifully, but marinating overnight will deepen the taste even more.

Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 77 reviews

A refreshing Greek Pasta Salad combining bite-sized gemelli pasta, crisp cucumbers, sweet cherry tomatoes, tangy feta, and briny kalamata olives all tossed in a zesty lemon and oregano dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: Greek
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad

16 ounces gemelli or rotini pasta
1 English cucumber, sliced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup pitted kalamata olives
6 ounces feta cheese, cubed

Dressing

½ cup olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cracked pepper

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the gemelli or rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl to cool slightly.
Prepare the Vegetables and Cheese: While the pasta is cooking, slice the cucumber, dice the red bell pepper, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, pit the kalamata olives if not already pitted, and cube the feta cheese.
Combine Salad Ingredients: Add the prepared vegetables and feta cheese to the bowl with the pasta. Gently toss the ingredients together to distribute evenly.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and cracked pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite is coated with the flavorful dressing.
Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.