Are you searching for a crowd-pleasing dish for your next summer potluck? Look no further than this delightful Greek Pasta Salad! Loaded with pasta, healthy vegetables, and a homemade Greek salad dressing bursting with Mediterranean flavor, it's sure to be a hit at any gathering. Plus, it's simple to prepare ahead of time, making it the ultimate potluck companion.

Today, I'm excited to share my simple method for making Greek Pasta Salad. This dish is not only satisfying but also bursts with the refreshing taste of Greek flavors. It's incredibly easy to whip up and even tastes better when enjoyed the next day.

This recipe draws inspiration from other Mediterranean dishes featured on my website: Spinach Feta & Rice Casserole, Instant Pot Greek Chicken Lemon Rice Soup (Avgolemono), and Mediterranean Roast Chicken recipes.

Let's dive right in!

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Why Greek Pasta Salad?
Ingredients:
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad:
Variations and Substitutions:
Tips:
Storage:
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

Why Greek Pasta Salad?

Greek Flavor: This salad is bursting with the fresh and vibrant flavors of Greece, thanks to the combination of feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and Mediterranean herbs.
Loaded with Pasta and Healthy Vegetables: Packed with hearty pasta and an array of colorful veggies, this salad is not only delicious but also nutritious.
Homemade Greek Salad Dressing: Elevate your salad game with a homemade dressing that perfectly complements the ingredients and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Perfect for Potlucks: Whether it's a backyard barbecue or a picnic in the park, this Greek Pasta Salad is always a hit at summer potlucks.
Prepare Ahead: Save time and stress by making this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better as the flavors mingle in the fridge.

Ingredients:

Here's what you'll need to whip up your own Greek Pasta Salad:

Spiral pasta (rotini): This shape is perfect for holding onto the dressing and other ingredients, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes): These add a burst of sweetness and color to the salad, balancing out the savory elements.
English cucumber (or Persian cucumber): The crisp texture and mild flavor of cucumber provide a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients.
Red bell pepper: Adds crunch and sweetness, as well as a vibrant color to the salad.
Kalamata olives: These olives contribute a distinctive tangy and salty flavor, characteristic of Greek cuisine.
Feta Cheese: Feta cheese serves a crucial role in Greek Pasta Salad by adding a unique creamy texture and a tangy, salty flavor profile
For the Greek dressing, you'll need a combination of:

Olive oil: Provides richness and a smooth texture to the dressing.
Oregano: Infuses the dressing with classic Mediterranean herbaceous notes.
Red wine vinegar: Adds acidity and depth of flavor to balance the richness of the olive oil.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Enhance the overall seasoning and flavor profile of the salad.
Garlic. To add umami flavor to the dressing.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the dressing with a hint of citrusy freshness.

Now that we've got our ingredients ready, let's start creating this delicious Greek Pasta Salad!

How to Make Greek Pasta Salad:

Here's a simple guide to crafting your own Greek pasta salad:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Follow the package instructions to cook the pasta until it's al dente. After cooking, rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process, then let it cool completely.

In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the Greek dressing: olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Whip Up the Greek Pasta Salad Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the Greek dressing: olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Mix Together the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Just before serving, give the salad a final toss and add a sprinkle of additional herbs if desired. Enjoy your refreshing Greek pasta salad!

Variations and Substitutions:

Here are some variations and substitutions you can try:

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan feta alternative.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make the dish gluten-free while keeping all the other ingredients the same.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas to make the salad more protein-rich and satisfying.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables such as bell peppers, artichoke hearts, or spinach to customize the salad to your liking.
Different Pasta Shapes: Experiment with different pasta shapes such as penne, farfalle, or fusilli for a fun twist on the classic recipe.
Herb Substitutions: Don't have dried oregano? You can use fresh oregano or substitute it with dried basil or Italian seasoning for a slightly different flavor profile.
Dressing Variations: Switch up the dressing by using balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar or adding a touch of honey for sweetness.
Spice it Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing or sprinkle some sliced fresh chili peppers over the salad.
Nutty Crunch: Add some toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for extra texture and nutty flavor.
Cheese Options: If you're not a fan of feta cheese, try substituting it with grated Parmesan, goat cheese, or diced mozzarella for a different cheesy twist.

Tips:

Here are helpful tips for making Greek Pasta Salad:

Cook Pasta Just Right: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the other ingredients. Rinse it under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
Prep Ahead: Save time by prepping the ingredients in advance. You can cook the pasta and chop the vegetables ahead of time, storing them separately until ready to assemble the salad.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dressing before adding it to the salad and adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences. You can add more lemon juice for acidity, extra garlic for flavor, or adjust the salt and pepper to taste.
Let it Chill: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving enhances the flavors and allows the ingredients to meld together. It also makes for a refreshing dish on a hot summer day.
Mix it Up: Don't be afraid to customize the salad to your liking. Add more or less of your favorite vegetables, adjust the ratio of pasta to other ingredients, or experiment with different herbs and cheeses.
Add Dressing Gradually: Start by adding a portion of the dressing to the salad and toss gently to coat. You can always add more dressing as needed, but it's harder to remove excess once it's mixed in.
Garnish Before Serving: Add a final touch of freshness by garnishing the salad with additional chopped herbs or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese just before serving.

Storage:

Greek pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some of the dressing over time, so you may need to add a bit more dressing before serving leftovers.

For additional food safety guidance, please visit this website.