Easy Greek Pasta Salad

This Easy Greek Pasta Salad is loaded with corkscrew pasta, tangy feta cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and briny Kalamata olives, all tossed in a simple, Mediterranean-inspired dressing.

Ingredients to Make Easy Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

This Greek Pasta Salad is a fresh and flavorful choice for summer, though it’s so versatile, I enjoy it all year long. It also makes a great light meal when paired with grilled chicken, seafood, steak, or pork. It’s a delicious option for summer picnics and potlucks, too. Greek Pasta Salad Ingredients: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Pasta – One pound corkscrew pasta with ridges which holds onto the dressing and allows it to permeate all of the nooks and crannies.
• Cheese – Crumbled feta cheese adds a salty bite to the flavor.
• Olives – Greek marinated olives or sliced kalamata olives lend a briny flavor to the mixture.
• Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes for a slight sweetness to balance the red wine vinegar in the dressing.
• Peppers – Red bell pepper and green bell pepper add crunch and color.
• Onion – One medium red onion expands the flavor profile. If the flavor is too strong, soak it in cold water for a few minutes to tame the flavor.
• Cucumber – English cucumber adds volume and is quick to prep thanks to its thin skin and minimal seeds.
• Herbs – Chopped fresh parsley adds freshness.
• Dressing – Two packets dry Italian dressing mix, red wine vinegar, sugar and extra virgin olive oil.

How to Make the BEST Easy Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

• Boil the Pasta – Cook the corkscrew pasta in salted water per the package instructions until al dente. Make sure you drain the pasta well.
• Dressing – In a mason jar mix together the dry Italian dressing mix, red wine vinegar and sugar. Shake to combine then add the olive oil. Place the lid snuggly on top and shake to combine. It should look emulsified when combined.
• Prep the Vegetables – Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion, seed and dice the bell peppers, chop the parsley and slice the olives, if whole.
• Combine – Add the pasta to a large mixing bowl with the chopped vegetables and feta cheese.
• Dressing – Pour the dressing onto the pasta mixture while it’s still warm and it will really soak in the flavor of the dressing. Toss and stir to fully combine.
• Chill – Cover and chill in the fridge until serving garnished with additional parsley.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need to Make Greek Salad

• Large bowl for combining all of the ingredients.
• Pasta cooker or large pot for cooking the pasta.
• Sharp knife and chopping board for prepping the vegetables. You could also use a mandolin or food processor.
• Large rubber spatula or spoon for mixing everything together.
• Mason jar or salad dressing cruet for mixing the dressing ingredients together.
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Pasta: You could use penne pasta, rotini pasta, bowtie pasta or classic elbow macaroni.
• Salt: The dressing mix will likely have ample salt to season the entire Greek salad. You can adjust the salt after combining the salad ingredients with the prepared dressing,
• Peppers: You may opt to use any variety of bell peppers that you enjoy. You could also use pepperoncini in place of bell peppers.
• Herbs: You could replace parsley with fresh oregano or chives.
• Artichoke Hearts: You could add one 8 ounce jar of chopped artichoke hearts. Roughly chop them and make sure they’re drained well prior to adding to the salad.
• Greek Dressing: Many of the flavors used in cooking in the Mediterranean region are the same or similar in flavor. We’re taking a shortcut using dry Italian dressing which includes oregano, parsely, garlic and lemon. You could adapt this recipe using a bottle of Greek salad dressing, if you’re in a time crunch.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers: Greek Pasta Salad can be stored in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing pasta salad as the fresh vegetables texture can change tremendously when thawing.

More Salad Recipes to Make

• Some of my visitors tell me they use my Layered Southwestern Cornbread Salad as a dip with tortilla chips. How fun!
• Frito Taco Salad is a complete meal.
• This retro Grape Salad is always a winner.
• Whip up a batch of Southern Chicken Salad for light meals and snacking.
• This fresh Arugula Salad is dressed with a delicious homemade vinaigrette.
• This Italian Spaghetti Salad doubles as a side dish or an entree.
• Supreme Pizza Tortellini Salad is terrific for game day or pizza night with the family.
• Vintage Sweet Pea Salad is a retro salad that always satisfies.
• Chef Salad on a Stick from The Pioneer Woman.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Mixing Bowls
• Knife and Chopping Board
• Measuring Set
• Colander