There's something absolutely irresistible about a perfectly balanced Greek Pasta Salad - that magical combination of tangy feta, briny olives, and fresh vegetables tossed with tender pasta that instantly transports you to a sunny Mediterranean coast. I first discovered this recipe at my friend's backyard barbecue, and I literally couldn't stop going back for more helpings.
This isn't just another pasta salad; it's a vibrant celebration of fresh flavors that gets better as it sits, making it the perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, or those busy weeknights when you want something refreshing and satisfying.
Why You'll Love This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe will become your summer obsession because it delivers restaurant-quality Mediterranean flavors with incredibly simple preparation. The creamy feta cheese melts slightly into the dressing, creating this luscious coating for every piece of pasta, while the crisp cucumbers and juicy tomatoes add the perfect fresh crunch. My family calls it "vacation in a bowl" because it tastes like something you'd eat at a seaside taverna in Greece. Plus, it actually improves overnight as all those beautiful flavors meld together, which means less work for you and more incredible taste for everyone.
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What You'll Need
These fresh, vibrant ingredients come together like a perfectly choreographed dance, creating layers of Mediterranean flavor that make every bite feel like a little celebration.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb penne or rotini pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 6 oz crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
Optional Extras
You can add some sliced bell peppers for extra color and crunch, or toss in a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor - my sister loves adding chickpeas to make it more filling.
This best greek pasta salad is super easy - full steps are in the recipe card.
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad
Cook Your Pasta Foundation
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process completely.
Prepare Fresh Vegetables
While pasta cooks, dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice red onion. Pat cucumber dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture in your salad.
Create the Magic Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified. This bright dressing is what makes everything sing together.
Quick tip: How do I keep my cold greek pasta salad from getting watery? Salt your diced cucumbers and let them drain for 15 minutes before adding them to the salad. This draws out excess moisture that could make your salad soggy.
Combine and Toss
In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, olives, and feta cheese. Pour dressing over everything and toss gently until well coated.
Let Flavors Marry
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, stirring occasionally. The flavors really develop and intensify during this time, making it taste even better.
Aliana's Top Tip
Here's my secret for the absolute best results: make this cold feta pasta salad the day before you plan to serve it.
The overnight rest in the refrigerator allows all those Mediterranean flavors to meld together beautifully, and the feta softens just enough to create this incredible creamy texture throughout.
Also, always taste and adjust the seasoning right before serving - you might need a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or an extra pinch of salt to make all those flavors pop perfectly.
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Regular pasta works if you don't have penne - fusilli or bowtie pasta hold the dressing beautifully. You can substitute goat cheese for feta if you prefer a milder flavor, and green olives work just as well as Kalamata. Fresh basil can replace dill for a different herb profile that's equally delicious.
Storage & Serving Tips
Store this pasta salad recipes mediterranean style in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Give it a good stir before serving and add a splash of olive oil if it seems dry. The flavors actually improve each day, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
What to Serve With Greek Pasta Salad
This greek pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or lamb for a complete Mediterranean feast. It's also perfect alongside hummus and pita bread, or as part of a mezze spread with dolmas and tzatziki. My family loves it as a light lunch on its own with some crusty bread.
FAQs About Greek Pasta Salad
Can I make this creamy greek pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It's actually better when made 24 hours ahead. Just give it a stir and adjust seasoning before serving.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can omit the feta or substitute with dairy-free feta alternatives, though the flavor will be different from traditional Greek pasta salad.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cook to al dente and rinse immediately with cold water. Don't overcook the pasta initially since it continues to absorb moisture from the dressing.
What's the best pasta shape for greek summer salad?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or bowtie work best because they hold the dressing and ingredients well.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you're craving more refreshing summer dishes, my easy greek pasta salad recipe variations offer different combinations of vegetables and herbs that keep things exciting. My cold pasta salad collection includes everything from Italian-inspired versions to Asian fusion creations, while my Mediterranean recipe Dinner collection covers all those sunny flavors that make every meal feel special. These summer salads have become our go-to for entertaining and meal prep.
Made it your way? I'd love to see it! Tag @AlianaRecipes on Pinterest and show off your delicious version.
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Pairing
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