There’s nothing like a bright, crunchy, and herb-packed Greek pasta salad to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight meal, this salad combines al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing for a dish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying.
In this article, we’ll cover:
✅ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Key Ingredients & Substitutions
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions
✅ Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
✅ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
✅ Nutritional Benefits
✅ Creative Variations
Let’s make this colorful, flavor-packed pasta salad!
Why You’ll Love This Greek Pasta Salad
✔ Bursting with Fresh Flavors – Tangy feta, juicy tomatoes, and a bright lemon dressing.
✔ Meal Prep Friendly – Tastes even better the next day!
✔ Versatile – Serve as a side or add protein for a main dish.
✔ Crowd-Pleasing – A hit at BBQs, potlucks, and family gatherings.
✔ Healthy & Balanced – Packed with veggies, fiber, and healthy fats.
Whether you need a quick lunch, party side, or meal prep staple, this salad delivers!
Ingredients & Substitutions
For the Salad:
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, orzo, or farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted & halved
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional but delicious!)
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional Add-Ins:
- Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas (for protein)
- Pepperoncini or banana peppers (for heat)
- Avocado (for creaminess)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
2. Chop the Veggies
- Dice cucumber, bell pepper, and tomatoes. Thinly slice red onion.
3. Make the Dressing
- Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl, combine pasta, veggies, olives, feta, and herbs.
- Pour dressing over and toss gently to coat.
5. Chill & Serve
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) before serving.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keeps for 3-4 days (drain excess liquid if needed).
- Freezing: Not recommended (veggies get mushy).
- Meal Prep: Store dressing separately if making ahead.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Perfect For:
- BBQs & Cookouts – Pairs with grilled meats or kebabs.
- Lunchboxes – Pack in jars for a portable meal.
- Mediterranean Feasts – Serve with hummus, pita, and tzatziki.
Delicious Pairings:
- Grilled Lemon Chicken
- Garlic Butter Shrimp
- Falafel & Pita Bread
Nutritional Benefits
✔ High in Fiber – From veggies and whole-grain pasta.
✔ Healthy Fats – Olive oil and feta support heart health.
✔ Antioxidant-Rich – Tomatoes, olives, and herbs fight inflammation.
Nutrition per Serving (1 cup):
- Calories: ~280
- Protein: 7g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 15g
Creative Variations
🌱 Vegan Version
- Skip feta or use vegan feta.
🍗 Protein-Packed
- Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas.
🌶 Spicy Twist
- Toss in pepperoncini or red pepper flakes.
🥑 Creamy Avocado
- Add diced avocado before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh & Flavorful Greek Pasta Salad is a vibrant, make-ahead dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its zesty dressing, crisp veggies, and salty feta, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!