Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

This Greek Pasta Salad is my go-to for sunny lunches, picnics, or any time I want something that’s both vibrant and delicious. It packs the bold flavors of a classic Greek salad—think tangy feta, briny olives, crisp veggies—with a creamy yogurt-herb dressing and bouncy bowtie pasta. Every bite is a little Mediterranean getaway!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Greek Pasta Salad is how each ingredient shines. From crunchy cucumbers to tangy dressing, every element is simple, yet together they create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Bowtie pasta (or any short pasta): Bowties (farfalle) scoop up that dreamy dressing perfectly, but rotini or penne work great too if you have them on hand.
• Plain Greek yogurt: The secret to a creamy, lighter dressing that adds a slight tang—the backbone of our fresh flavor.
• Fresh dill & dried oregano: Brings an herby brightness and classic Greek aroma that makes your kitchen smell incredible.
• Lemon juice & red wine vinegar: These offer acidity and zip, tying together all the vegetables and herbs.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Adds richness, body, and that unmistakable Mediterranean vibe.
• Garlic: Just one clove, finely minced or grated, infuses the dressing with bold flavor.
• Cucumbers: Their cool crunch is essential for balance and freshness.
• Bell peppers (any color): Adds sweetness, color, and serious crunch. I love using red, yellow, or orange bell peppers for extra prettiness.
• Cherry tomatoes: Their juicy pop delivers little bursts of sweetness in every bite.
• Red onion: It brings a bit of bite, but if you want something milder, soak the onion in cold water first.
• Kalamata olives: Briny and bold, these olives are an instant trip to Greece. Make sure they’re pitted!
• Feta cheese: Tangy, crumbly, and creamy—feta is non-negotiable in my book.
• Salt & pepper: Essential to make all the flavors sing.
• Extra fresh dill, for garnish (optional): Because you can never have too much fresh green on top.

Variations

One of the greatest things about Greek Pasta Salad is how ridiculously flexible it is. You can swap in your favorite veggies, add some protein, or make it suit just about any dietary need—let your cravings (and fridge contents) guide you!

• Add grilled chicken or chickpeas: Toss in sliced grilled chicken or a handful of chickpeas to turn this salad into a satisfying main course.
• Try different cheeses: Not a fan of feta? Try cubed mozzarella, creamy goat cheese, or leave cheese out entirely for a dairy-free twist.
• Mix up the veggies: Swap or add in artichoke hearts, roasted red peppers, or baby spinach for even more Mediterranean flair.
• Make it gluten-free: Just use your favorite gluten-free short pasta—everything else stays happily the same!

How to Make Greek Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of well-salted water to a boil—this is key for flavorful pasta! Cook your bowties (or whatever shape you choose) until just al dente. Drain them and rinse under cool water, which chills the pasta and stops it from cooking further, perfect for a pasta salad texture.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Yogurt-Herb Dressing

While your pasta cooks, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, dill, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a big mixing bowl. The dressing should look smooth, creamy, and flecked with fresh herbs. Taste and tweak the salt or citrus if you want an extra punch.

Step 3: Prep and Combine the Veggies

Dice up your cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onion so every bite bursts with color. Pit and halve those kalamata olives, and if you want, set aside some fresh dill for the garnish. Now, toss all these chopped veggies, olives, and crumbled feta into your bowl with the dressing.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Add the cooled pasta to the big bowl, then gently toss everything together until the dressing coats every noodle, veggie, and crumb of feta. Give it a taste—add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon if you love tangy flavors like I do. Sprinkle with extra dill if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

For the flavors to really shine, cover the bowl and let the pasta salad rest in the fridge for at least an hour. (Longer is even better—the veggies soak up extra punch from the dressing!) Give it a quick toss before serving and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve Greek Pasta Salad

Garnishes

For that picture-perfect finish, shower your Greek Pasta Salad with crumbled feta, extra chopped dill, and maybe a crack of fresh black pepper. A squeeze of lemon over the top right before serving also makes everything pop with brightness.

Side Dishes

This dish plays beautifully alongside grilled meats (hello, souvlaki skewers!), simple roasted chicken, or even veggie-packed frittatas. It’s also right at home next to crusty bread, hummus, and tzatziki for a Mediterranean-inspired spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your Greek Pasta Salad into individual jars for picnics, pile it high on a big platter lined with lettuce leaves, or tuck it into pita pockets with some extra veggies and feta for an irresistible lunch. For parties, serve it in a large bowl with extra lemons and olive oil on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply transfer leftover Greek Pasta Salad to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge—it stays fresh and flavorful for up to five days. Give it a quick stir before serving, and if it’s looking a little dry, splash in a bit of olive oil or lemon juice.

Freezing

I recommend skipping the freezer for this recipe. The creamy yogurt dressing and fresh veggies won’t hold up well to thawing—they lose their crispness and creamy texture, so it’s best enjoyed straight from the fridge.

Reheating

This salad is truly at its best served chilled or room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat! If you want it less cold, leave your portion out on the counter for 20 minutes before digging in.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something colorful, satisfying, and bursting with sunshine-y flavor, Greek Pasta Salad is your answer. I hope this becomes your new favorite, whether you’re prepping for a family barbecue or just need a quick, happy lunch. Grab a fork and dig in—Greece is only a bite away!

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