This Easy Greek Pasta Salad is a fresh and colorful dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Packed with veggies like cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives, it’s bursting with flavor!
The best part? It’s a breeze to make! Just toss everything together, and you have a tasty meal ready in no time. I love serving it cold on warm days—so refreshing!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rotini is great for this salad because its shape holds dressing and ingredients well. If you don’t have rotini, feel free to use any pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just stick with something that has some texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a sweet burst of flavor. If you can’t find them, try using grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Fresh is key, but canned tomatoes can work in a pinch—just drain them well!
Cucumber: I love using English cucumbers since they have fewer seeds and a smooth skin. If you prefer, you can swap it with a small amount of diced avocado for a creamier texture.
Feta Cheese: This adds a salty and tangy flavor. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese or even a vegan feta can be good alternatives. Crumble it over the top for a nice presentation!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is my go-to for the best flavor. If you need a lighter option, you can substitute with avocado oil or a light vegetable oil, but it won’t have that distinct taste.
How Do I Cook Pasta Perfectly for a Salad?
Getting the pasta just right is crucial, especially for a salad where texture matters. Follow these steps to ensure perfect pasta:
- Start with a large pot of salted water. This helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the rotini and cook according to package directions until al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard.
- Once done, immediately drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down quickly.
- Shake off any excess water to prevent sogginess in your salad.
How to Make Easy Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Fresh Veggies:
- 8 oz rotini pasta (or any pasta shape)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) black olives, sliced (or Kalamata olives)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For The Dressing:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For The Topping:
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Greek pasta salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 30 minutes of chilling time. So, in total, you’ll need around 45 minutes before you can enjoy this refreshing dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once it’s ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This step will also help prevent it from becoming mushy.
2. Combine the Veggies:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta together with the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and chopped parsley. Give everything a good stir to mix the ingredients evenly.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This will create a zesty dressing for your salad.
4. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are well coated. Take your time here to combine everything thoroughly without breaking up the pasta.
5. Add the Feta Cheese:
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad and mix lightly so it incorporates throughout the salad without turning into mush. Feta adds a delightful creaminess!
6. Chill the Salad:
Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, enjoy your Greek pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal on its own. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini is great for holding onto the dressing, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose, and cool it down as directed in step 1.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
If you’d like to make this salad vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative. You can also amp up the flavors by adding extra herbs or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Red Wine Vinegar?
No worries! You can easily substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar, although the taste might vary slightly. Lemon juice is another great substitute that adds a fresh zing!
How Long Will This Salad Last in the Fridge?
The Greek pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you find that it’s a bit dry after sitting in the fridge, simply drizzle a little olive oil and toss it to refresh the flavors!
