Easy Greek Pasta
Pasta salads are a fabulous make-ahead dish we enjoy regularly here in the US. However, it’s always fun (and tasty) to add in flavors we love from other parts of the world! Today I’m sharing a simple Greek Pasta Salad Recipe made with cucumbers, tomatoes, fresh herbs, and feta cheese. It’s a classic Greek-American side dish (or vegetarian main dish) that is perfect for casual parties, potlucks, weekly meal prep, and picnics, because it tastes fabulous for several days, and can sit out at room temperature for several hours.
Why This Is Our Favorite Pasta Salad Recipe
Most Greek Pasta Salad Recipes are pretty similar. They tend to include:
Swirly Pasta (or Orzo)OlivesCucumbersTomatoesBell PeppersFeta CheeseGreek Vinaigrette
Here, we’ve added all these ingredients, but have also made a few minor changes that we feel make a big difference. First and foremost, we skip the vinegar in the vinaigrette and add fresh lemon juice instead. The fresh flavor of the lemon really helps the other fresh produce to pop. Sometimes wine vinegar(s) leave a heavy, yet acidic flavor. Also, skip the crumbled feta that comes in a tub, and buy a block of feta cheese. That way, you can cut big chunks for your Greek Pasta Salad. When you use the pre-crumbled variety it tends to break down in the dressing. We like to add fresh and dried herbs to the salad. I know it’s easiest to rely on dried herbs from your pantry. Yet you really miss out on big flavor! We like to use dried garlic and oregano, then fresh parsley and mint leaves. However, if you cannot find fresh herbs (or dried herbs) you can swap these ingredients as needed.
Mediterranean Pasta Salad Ingredient List
For the Greek Pasta Salad:
Dried pasta – I like to use gemelli or fusilli.Grape tomatoesEnglish cucumberBell pepper – any colorRed onionParsleyMint leavesKalamata olives – pitted (or your favorite olive)Feta cheese
For the Salad Dressing:
Extra virgin olive oilFresh lemon juiceDried oreganoGarlic powderSalt and pepper
How To Make Greek Pasta Salad
Get the Full (Printable) Best Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Recipe Below. Enjoy!
Variations and Swaps
This salad is amazing with its simplistic fresh herby flavors. However, you can mix things up by adding:
Grilled ChickenRoasted ShrimpProsciuttoRoasted Red PeppersGreen or Black OlivesRed Wine Vinegar (instead of lemon juice)Artichoke HeartsHeart of PalmPickled Peppers
You can also use any shape of pasta that you like, although smaller bite-size pasta works the best.
How Long In Advance Can You Make This Recipe?
Make and serve within 5 days for the best flavor and texture. However, you can eat the leftovers for up to one week.
How Do You Store Greek Pasta Salad?
Keep it in an airtight container and place the pasta salad in the refrigerator. Then before serving, shake the container to redistribute the dressing.
Can You Make A Gluten-Free Version?
You can make this recipe with gluten-free pasta and it turns out fantastic! Just remember, gluten-free pasta tends to break down faster than wheat pasta. So you will need to eat it within 2 days.
More Greek Dishes
Greek Lemon Chicken SoupHoriatiki (Greek Village Salad)Greek Omelette CasseroleGrilled Greek PizzaGreek Chicken SouvlakiSaucy Greek Lemon Meatballs (Keftedes)Greek BurgersMy Big Fat Greek SaladGreek Shrimp Pasta
More Make-Ahead Pasta Salads
The Best Italian Pasta Salad RecipeSun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta SaladTuna Pasta Salad with Olives and CapersCool Chicken Taco Pasta SaladThe Best Macaroni Salad RecipeTortellini Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
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