Nothing says summer like a generous bowl of Greek Pasta Salad brimming with bright, crisp veggies, tangy feta, and a sunshiney lemon-oregano dressing. It’s the kind of vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll crave on balmy nights, quick lunches, or as a side for your next backyard barbecue. Every bite is a little pop of Mediterranean sunshine!

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple but stellar ingredients, this Greek Pasta Salad comes together in a snap. Each addition brings something special to the table—crunch, savory flavor, or a burst of color—making the whole greater than the sum of its parts.

Pasta: Short shapes like rotini or penne work best, holding onto all the tasty dressing and veggies in every forkful.
Cherry Tomatoes: They offer juicy sweetness and a pop of color that really makes the salad shine.
Cucumber: English or Persian cucumbers keep things extra crunchy and refreshing without the need to peel or seed.
Kalamata Olives: Their briny bite is essential for giving the dish a true Greek feel.
Red Onion: Sliced thin, it adds a pleasant zing and a little more color to the bowl.
Green Bell Pepper: Brings crispness and that subtle grassy note that lifts everything up.
Feta Cheese: A must-have! The tangy, creamy crumbles meld perfectly throughout the salad.
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: Use your best for a luscious, fragrant dressing base.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed makes the dressing sing with brightness.
Dried Oregano: Classic Greek flavor—earthy and aromatic.
Garlic: One clove, finely minced, gives just the right gentle heat.
Salt and Black Pepper: To taste! These simple seasonings balance and elevate all the flavors.

How to Make Greek Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook it until it’s just al dente—firm to the tooth but not undercooked. Drain immediately and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and ensures your pasta stays perfectly tender and doesn’t absorb too much of the dressing too fast.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While your pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes in halves, dice the cucumbers, slice the onion thin, cube the green bell pepper, and pit and halve the olives. The idea here is to keep everything bite-size for effortless, forkable eating. If you want a milder onion flavor, soak the sliced onion in cold water for a few minutes before draining and adding to the mix.

Step 3: Whisk the Dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine extra-virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a pinch each of salt and black pepper. Whisk or shake everything together until fully emulsified and the garlic is distributed throughout. The vibrant, herbaceous dressing is what makes this Greek Pasta Salad unforgettable!

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, all your chopped veggies, the olives, and most of the feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat every nook and cranny. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Scatter the rest of the feta on top for a delightful finish.

Step 5: Let It Marinate (If You Can!)

While it’s totally delicious straight away, letting the Greek Pasta Salad rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes melds the flavors and makes it even better. The veggies soak in the dressing and become extra tasty, making every bite irresistible.

How to Serve Greek Pasta Salad

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh herbs—think chopped parsley, dill, or even extra oregano—adds a hit of freshness, color, and aroma right before serving. A big sprinkle of extra feta on top never hurts, and a light drizzle of olive oil gives it an inviting sheen.

Side Dishes

This Greek Pasta Salad is a star at potlucks and picnics, but it also pairs perfectly with barbecued chicken, grilled lamb chops, or even pan-fried fish. Add a basket of crusty bread or warm pita alongside for mopping up any leftover dressing on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve piled high in a big, rustic bowl for family style sharing—or scoop into individual mason jars for picnic-ready, portable portions. For parties, skewer chunks of the salad onto toothpicks for easy, hand-held bites that your guests won’t stop raving about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Greek Pasta Salad into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. In fact, it tastes even more flavorful after marinating overnight, making it a fantastic make-ahead dish for busy schedules.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for Greek Pasta Salad. The fresh vegetables and feta tend to lose their texture and become watery once thawed. Stick to refrigerating for the freshest, crispiest results.

Reheating

This is one salad best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If the salad feels a bit firm from the fridge, just let it sit out for 15 minutes before serving, giving it a quick toss to redistribute the dressing.

FAQs

Can I make this Greek Pasta Salad gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy this tasty dish without worry.

Is it possible to make this vegan?

You can! Simply swap the feta cheese for a vegan feta or leave it out entirely. The salad will still be bold and satisfying, thanks to the flavorful dressing and vibrant veggies.

Which pasta shape is best?

Short, sturdy shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli are ideal because they hold the dressing and mix-ins so well. Avoid long noodles, which are harder to serve and eat in a salad.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas all make fantastic add-ins for a heartier meal and boost the Mediterranean flavors even further.

How far in advance can I make Greek Pasta Salad?

This salad keeps well for up to three days in the fridge. If making ahead for an event, prepare all the ingredients and store separately, then toss with dressing and cheese a few hours before serving for best texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a dish that’s as easy to make as it is to love, give Greek Pasta Salad a spot at your table. Its fresh flavors and colorful crunch make every meal feel like a small Mediterranean celebration. I can’t wait for you to taste just how joyful each bite can be!

Kimberly