Greek Pasta Salad
This Greek Pasta Salad is the ultimate summer crowd-pleaser, and you’ll love how incredibly easy it is to make.
A fresh, vibrant medley of crisp veggies, tangy feta, and a bright herb dressing that transforms simple pasta into a flavor-packed dish.
Greek Pasta Salad Recipe Highlights
- Ready in just 20 minutes
- Perfect for parties and potlucks
- Full of fresh, colorful veggies
- Easy to make ahead
- Delicious served cold or at room temperature
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
PASTA – We use bowtie pasta for this recipe, but any short pasta shape with nooks and crannies works great. The ridges and curves help the dressing cling to the pasta. Good alternatives are rotini, fusilli, and penne. Be sure to salt the pasta water, as this adds additional flavor.
VEGGIES – We’re using a classic Greek combo of mini cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and Kalamata olives. The mini cucumbers have thin skins, fewer seeds, and a sweeter flavor than regular cucumbers.
FETA CHEESE – Instead of pre-crumbled, we’re using a block of feta cut into cubes. This allows you to get those great, big, creamy-tangy bites. You can substitute crumbled if you prefer.
GREEK SALAD DRESSING – The bright, herbaceous dressing is made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt and pepper. It’s super simple but packs a punch of flavor. You can use a pre-made Greek vinaigrette to save time.
How To Make Greek Pasta Salad
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- In a small jar or bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Shake or whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes to emulsify.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and red onion.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
PROTEIN – Pair this Greek Pasta Salad with our Air Fryer Chicken, Air Fryer Shrimp, or our Salmon made in the Air Fryer. The crispy, tender chicken or shrimp adds a satisfying protein boost that complements the fresh flavors of the salad. If you haven’t tried making chicken, shrimp, or salmon in the air fryer, it’s a game-changer – quick, easy, and delicious.
BREAD – A good bread can make this meal complete. Try our 3-ingredient Homemade Bread for a simple and delightful side. If you’re in the mood for something special, our Sourdough Sandwich Bread offers a slightly tangy taste that pairs perfectly with the salad. For a cheesy twist, go for Cheesy Garlic Bread made in the Air Fryer. It’s crispy, cheesy, and the perfect accompaniment.
HUMMUS AND PITA – Serve with a side of hummus and warm pita bread for a classic Mediterranean touch. The creamy hummus and soft pita are excellent for scooping up the salad, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture.
BURGERS – For a hearty and satisfying meal, try our Smash Burger. The juicy, flavorful patty pairs wonderfully with the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Greek Pasta Salad. The contrast between the savory burger and the light, tangy salad makes for a well-rounded and delicious meal.
Planning and Leftovers
STORE – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give the salad a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing and freshen up the flavors.
FREEZE – Avoid freezing this salad. The fresh vegetables can become soggy when thawed, and it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh.
REHEAT – Enjoy the salad cold straight from the refrigerator. If you prefer it less chilly, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
MAKE AHEAD – Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables a day in advance. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the pasta, combine everything, and toss with the dressing. This method ensures freshness without any last-minute rush.
Recipe Success Tips
OVERCOOKED PASTA – Cook the pasta to al dente, following the package directions closely. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won’t hold up well when mixed with the dressing and veggies. Keeping it al dente make sure that each bite has the perfect texture.
FRESH HERBS – If you have fresh oregano or other fresh herbs on hand, definitely use them. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor of the salad and add a burst of freshness. Chop them finely and mix them into the dressing, or sprinkle them on top just before serving.
TOSS THE SALAD JUST BEFORE SERVING – To keep your salad looking and tasting its best, toss it with the dressing just before you serve it. This way, the pasta and veggies stay crisp, and the flavors remain bright and fresh.
SEASONING TO TASTE – After you’ve mixed everything together, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. Depending on your preferences, you might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or even a splash of extra vinegar. This final adjustment ensures that the flavors are perfectly balanced.
PASTA – We chose bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) for this salad because its unique shape holds the dressing well and provides a delightful texture that complements the crunchy vegetables and creamy feta. Other great options include penne, rotini, or fusilli, which also work well with the dressing and blend nicely with the other ingredients.
More Easy and Delicious Salad Recipes
Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Salad
- 16 ounces bowtie pasta
- 3-4 baby cucumbers sliced, also known as Persian cucumbers
- 12 ounces cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 ounces feta cheese block, cut into ¼ inch cubes
- ½ cup Kalamata olives sliced in half
- ½ medium red onion thinly sliced
Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small jar with a lid and shake vigorously – about one minute.
- Combine the dressing ingredients in a small jar with a lid or small bowl. Shake the jar or whisk the ingredients vigorously for 1-2 minutes to allow the ingredients to emulsify.
- Combine the cucumbers, tomatoes, Feta cheese, and red onion with the pasta. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate until you are ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.