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Greek Pasta Salad

Colorful Greek pasta salad with creamy feta and glossy olives close up

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This vibrant Greek Pasta Salad is a quick, 25-minute meal bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It features crisp vegetables, salty olives, creamy feta, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect as a light main or a refreshing side dish for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta (like fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
  • 1 English cucumber, diced
  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced or diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved
  • 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking.
  2. While pasta cooks, make the dressing. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, dill, salt, and black pepper.
  3. In a very large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, halved tomatoes, sliced onion, diced bell pepper, and halved olives.
  4. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Let it marinate for 5-10 minutes.
  5. Just before serving, add the crumbled feta cheese and the remaining dressing. Toss gently once more. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For best flavor, chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, do not overcook the pasta. Rinsing it after draining is key to prevent a gummy salad. Add the feta cheese last to keep it from dissolving into the dressing. The salad tastes even better the next day and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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