This Greek Pasta Salad is a colorful, refreshing twist on the classic Greek salad—tossed with bowtie pasta, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and creamy feta, all coated in a zesty homemade dressing.
It’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch.
Vibrant, healthy, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, this pasta salad is one you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less
Bold Greek flavor – Oregano, garlic, olives, and feta bring it to life
Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day
Customizable – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost
Crowd-pleaser – A hit at BBQs, brunches, and summer gatherings
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Pasta – Bowtie, rotini, or fusilli all work well for holding onto the dressing
Cherry tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, perfect for bite-sized freshness
English cucumber – Crisp and seedless, adds crunch
Bell pepper – Use red, yellow, or orange for a pop of color
Red onion – Sharp and vibrant, balances the flavors
Feta cheese – Salty, tangy, and creamy
Kalamata olives – Classic Greek ingredient with a rich, briny taste
Parsley – Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish
Red wine vinegar – The acidic base of the dressing
Garlic and oregano – Infuse the dressing with signature Greek flavor
Extra virgin olive oil – Rich and smooth, it brings the dressing together
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cook pasta just until al dente – It should hold up well in the salad without turning mushy
Cool pasta completely – Rinse with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process
Use good-quality feta – Block feta crumbled by hand has the best flavor
Add olive juice to taste – A splash of brine deepens the overall flavor
Make ahead – Letting the salad chill enhances the flavors
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add 8 oz of bowtie pasta (or rotini/fusilli) and cook according to package directions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool.
Drain again thoroughly and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Greek Salad Dressing
In a large measuring cup or mason jar, combine:
⅓ cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp dried oregano
3 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced
1 tsp fine sea salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
½ to ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil
Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified. If preparing ahead, shake again before using.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
In a large salad bowl, combine:
2 cups diced English cucumber (½ cucumber)
1½ cups halved cherry tomatoes (10 oz)
1 chopped bell pepper (any color)
⅓ cup chopped red onion (1 small/medium)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 oz)
½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved or roughly chopped
1 Tbsp juice from the olive jar (optional but recommended)
¼ cup finely chopped parsley
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and feta.
Shake the dressing again if separated, then drizzle over the salad.
Add the olive juice for extra briny flavor.
Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated and ingredients are well distributed.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if desired.
Serve chilled and enjoy.
What to Serve With Greek Pasta Salad
Grilled chicken or salmon – For a heartier main course
Falafel or hummus – For a vegetarian Mediterranean plate
Lamb skewers or gyros – A perfect pairing with the bold Greek flavors
Pita bread and tzatziki – Rounds out a Greek-inspired picnic spread
Iced mint tea or lemonade – Refreshing drink options for warm days
Variations and Substitutions
Use pearl couscous or orzo – For a different texture
Swap feta for goat cheese – A milder, creamy option
Add chickpeas – Boosts protein and makes it more filling
Mix in spinach or arugula – For extra greens
Make it spicy – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing
Storage Tips
Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Best served fresh – After 24 hours, the pasta may soak up more dressing, so refresh with a drizzle of olive oil
Don’t freeze – Freezing will ruin the texture of the vegetables and cheese
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.
Can I use bottled Greek dressing?
You can, but homemade dressing has better flavor and fewer additives.
Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I serve this warm?
It’s best served cold or at room temperature, but you can enjoy it warm if you prefer.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta like bowtie, rotini, or fusilli holds the dressing and mixes well with the veggies.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This salad scales well for larger gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Pasta Salad is the definition of a fresh, crowd-pleasing side dish.
Packed with crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and zesty dressing, it’s the kind of recipe that belongs at every potluck, picnic, or backyard BBQ.
Easy to customize and ready in under 30 minutes, this salad will become your go-to for warm weather entertaining—or a quick, wholesome lunch anytime.
