What ingredients are in a Greek pasta salad?

A classic Greek pasta salad includes rotini or penne pasta, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, green bell pepper, crumbled feta cheese, and a Greek-style dressing made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Some variations also add pepperoncini, artichoke hearts, or sun-dried tomatoes.

How long does Greek pasta salad last in the fridge?

Greek pasta salad will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days. For best results, store the dressing separately and toss just before serving to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soggy.

Can you make Greek pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, Greek pasta salad is an excellent make-ahead dish. You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, which actually allows the flavors to meld together more deeply. If making it more than a few hours ahead, hold back some of the dressing and add a fresh drizzle right before serving to refresh the salad.

What pasta is best for Greek pasta salad?

Short, sturdy pasta shapes work best for Greek pasta salad. Rotini is the most popular choice because its spirals hold the dressing well. Other great options include penne, farfalle (bow ties), fusilli, or orzo. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, as it does not mix evenly with the chunky vegetables and toppings.

Is Greek pasta salad served warm or cold?

Greek pasta salad is traditionally served cold or at room temperature, making it a perfect dish for picnics, potlucks, and meal prep. After cooking the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly before mixing it with the remaining ingredients.

How do you keep Greek pasta salad from drying out?

To prevent Greek pasta salad from drying out, reserve a portion of the dressing and add it just before serving. Pasta naturally absorbs dressing as it sits, so adding extra olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar can quickly revive leftovers. Keeping the salad covered in the refrigerator also helps retain moisture.

Greek Pasta Salad That Bursts with Fresh Mediterranean Flavor 2026

Name: Greek Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound rotini or penne pasta; 1 large cucumber, diced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 8 ounces block feta cheese, crumbled; 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

Greek Pasta Salad

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This Greek Pasta Salad bursts with fresh Mediterranean flavor, featuring tender pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta. It is a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or summer gatherings.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 15min
Cook Time: 10min
Total Time: 25min
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: dinner
Method: boiling
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound rotini or penne pasta
1 large cucumber, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
8 ounces block feta cheese, crumbled
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
Juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Transfer to a large bowl.
While pasta cooks, prepare vegetables: dice cucumber, halve tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, halve olives, and crumble feta. Chop parsley and mint.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Add the cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, onion, and olives to the bowl. Pour dressing over top and toss gently to combine.
Add crumbled feta and fresh herbs. Toss once more, being careful not to break up the feta too much.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld, or serve immediately. Let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving if chilled.

Notes

For best results, use block feta and crumble it yourself rather than pre-crumbled. Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to mellow its bite. Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra protein. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If salad seems dry after storage, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8
Calories: 380
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 650
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 7
Unsaturated Fat: 11
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 4
Protein: 15
Cholesterol: 30

Find it online: https://www.homestyletable.com/greek-pasta-salad-3/