Name: Amazing Greek Pasta Salad: 1 Simple Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 8 ounces pasta; 1 cup chopped cucumber; 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes; 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives; 1/4 cup chopped red onion; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

There’s something about a really good salad on a warm day, isn’t there? It just feels right. Growing up, salads were a big deal in our family, especially during the summer. And let me tell you, this Greek pasta salad quickly became a favorite. It’s one of those dishes that just screams “picnic!” or “barbecue!” It’s so easy to make, full of bright, fresh flavors, and everyone always asks for the recipe. You know, my Grandma used to whip up a version of this, and it always disappeared first at any gathering. We keep things simple here at 911Recipes, just like she taught us, and this easy Greek pasta salad totally fits the bill. It’s proof that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Pasta Salad

Honestly, what’s not to love about this Greek pasta salad? It’s become a staple in my kitchen for so many good reasons. It’s the kind of dish that saves the day when you need something tasty in a hurry, but it also feels special enough for company. It just makes everyone happy!

A Crowd-Pleasing Greek Pasta Salad

This salad really shines when you need to feed a crowd. It’s perfect for those backyard barbecues, lazy picnics in the park, or even a potluck with friends. It travels well and always gets rave reviews. Plus, it’s naturally vegetarian, which is great for accommodating different diets.

Super quick to get on the table.
So refreshing on a hot day.
A guaranteed hit at any get-together.
Easy to change up with what you have.
A delicious vegetarian option.

Simple Ingredients for Your Greek Pasta Salad

Okay, let’s talk about what you’ll need to bring this vibrant Greek pasta salad to life. The beauty of this recipe is that it calls for pretty simple stuff, things you might even have in your pantry and fridge right now. We’re not getting fancy here, just focusing on fresh, flavorful ingredients that work together beautifully.

Essential Ingredients for a Classic Greek Pasta Salad

These are the stars of the show, the ingredients that give this pasta salad its signature Greek flair. Each one plays an important part in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures we all love in a good Greek pasta salad.

8 ounces of your favorite pasta (I usually go for something like rotini or penne)
1 cup of chopped cucumber (nice and refreshing!)
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup of pitted Kalamata olives (those salty little gems!)
1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion (adds a little bite)
1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese (can’t have Greek without it!)
1/4 cup of good quality olive oil
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

How to Prepare Your Greek Pasta Salad

Making this Greek pasta salad is honestly a breeze. It’s one of those recipes that feels very therapeutic to put together. You just need a few basic things and follow a few simple steps. Before you know it, you’ll have a big bowl of deliciousness ready to go. Let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Greek Pasta Salad

First things first, you gotta cook your pasta. Follow the package directions, but make sure you don’t overcook it. We want it al dente, with a little bite. Once it’s done, drain it really well. Then, give it a good rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking and keeps the pasta from sticking together. Trust me, this step is key for a good pasta salad.

Assembling Your Perfect Greek Pasta Salad

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! Grab a big bowl. Add your cooled pasta, chopped cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, those lovely Kalamata olives, and the chopped red onion. Sprinkle that crumbled feta cheese right over everything. In a smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and dried oregano. Season the dressing with salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss everything gently until it’s all coated. You can serve it right away, but I think it tastes even better if you pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets all those amazing Greek flavors really mingle and get happy together.

Tips for Success with Your Greek Pasta Salad

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few little tricks that make this Greek pasta salad absolutely sing. They aren’t complicated, but they really do make a difference in how everything comes together and tastes. Think of these as my little secrets to a seriously yummy salad.

Getting the Best Flavor from Your Greek Pasta Salad

One big tip is to not overcook your pasta. It should still have a little chewiness, not be mushy. Rinsing it with cold water is super important too. Also, don’t skip the chilling time if you can help it. Those 30 minutes in the fridge allow the dressing to really soak into everything. And taste your dressing before you pour it on! Adjust the salt, pepper, or vinegar until it’s just right for you.

Variations for Your Greek Pasta Salad

One of the things I love most about this Greek pasta salad is how forgiving it is. You can totally make it your own! It’s a great base recipe, and you can easily toss in a few extra things to switch it up depending on what you’re craving or what you have in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little!

Customizing Your Greek Pasta Salad

Want to add some protein? Grilled chicken or even some shrimp are fantastic in this salad. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients. If you want more veggies, try adding some chopped bell peppers, maybe red or green. Artichoke hearts are also a really yummy addition and fit right in with the Mediterranean vibe. And if you’re not a huge fan of red onion, you can always use less or give it a quick soak in cold water first to mellow it out.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Pasta Salad

I get asked a few questions pretty often about making this Greek pasta salad. It’s totally normal to wonder about things like making it ahead or swapping ingredients. So, I thought I’d answer some of the most common ones right here. Hopefully, this helps you feel even more confident whipping up this delicious dish!

Common Questions About Making Greek Pasta Salad

Can you make this easy pasta salad ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, I think it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to really blend. Just mix everything except maybe half of the feta, and add the rest right before serving. What about ingredient swaps? Yes, you can swap the pasta shape, but stick to small or medium shapes that hold the dressing well. You can also use cherry tomatoes instead of grape, or vice versa. For storage, just keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. This vegetarian pasta salad holds up really well!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Now, I know some of you like to keep an eye on the nutritional side of things, and that’s totally understandable! While I’m not a registered dietitian, I can give you a general idea of what you’re getting with a serving of this Greek pasta salad based on typical values. Remember, these numbers are just estimates, and they can change a bit depending on the specific brands and ingredients you use. Think of it as a helpful guideline!

Based on the recipe as written, here’s a rough breakdown per serving (about 1 cup):

Calories: Around 350
Total Fat: About 20g
Saturated Fat: Roughly 5g
Unsaturated Fat: Around 15g
Trans Fat: 0g (yay!)
Carbohydrates: About 35g
Fiber: Roughly 4g
Sugar: Around 4g
Protein: About 10g
Cholesterol: Roughly 20mg
Sodium: Around 450mg

Again, this is just an estimate! If you add things like grilled chicken or use different types of pasta or cheese, these numbers will shift. But hopefully, this gives you a helpful snapshot of what’s in this delicious Greek pasta salad.

Serving and Storing Your Greek Pasta Salad

Enjoying and Keeping Your Greek Pasta Salad Fresh

Once your Greek pasta salad is all mixed up and chilled, it’s ready to be enjoyed! It’s perfect as a light lunch, a side dish for grilled meats, or even a simple dinner on a warm evening. To keep any leftovers tasting great, just pop them into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. It’s one of those salads that tastes even better the next day!

Share Your Greek Pasta Salad Creation

I absolutely love seeing what you all make! If you give this Greek pasta salad a try, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know how it turned out for you! You can also rate the recipe. And if you snap a photo, feel free to share it on social media and tag us. Happy cooking!