Name: Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 to 3 lemons); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon fresh oregano, optional; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 1 pound rotini pasta, or other pasta shape of your choice; 1/2 small red onion, quartered and thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, finely diced; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives; 1/2 cup crumbled feta; 1 large cucumber, quartered and sliced; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped; Salt and pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·5 from 15 reviews

Prepare to fall in love at first bite with Greek Pasta Salad! This dish is a vibrant, flavor-packed celebration of Mediterranean ingredients, featuring a tangle of perfectly cooked rotini doused in a zippy lemon-olive oil dressing, all tossed with crisp veggies, briny olives, creamy feta, and aromatic herbs. Whether you serve it at a backyard cookout, for an easy weeknight dinner, or as your go-to potluck hero, this Greek Pasta Salad is bursting with freshness and has a way of disappearing fast. It’s hearty yet light, beautifully colorful, and endlessly customizable—so let’s dive in and make it together!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Greek Pasta Salad lies in its simple, quality ingredients—each brings something special, from crisp veggies for crunch, to salty feta for richness, and the tangy brightness of fresh lemon in the dressing. Here’s what you’ll need to build all that delicious flavor and texture.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Gives the dressing a bold, sunny tang that wakes up every bite.
Lemon zest: Adds intensely fragrant citrus notes that make the whole salad smell amazing.
Garlic, finely chopped: A sharp, savory foundation in the dressing—go fresh for the best zing!
Finely chopped parsley: Packs freshness into the dressing and the salad itself—don’t skip it!
Extra virgin olive oil: The heart of the dressing, lending a luscious body and classic Mediterranean flavor.
Fresh oregano, optional: For herbal depth—if you have it, it makes the dressing sing.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the vibrant tastes.
Rotini pasta (or your favorite shape): Corkscrews capture the dressing and hold up beautifully in the salad.
Red onion: Thinly sliced, it adds crunch and gentle sharpness—soaking mellows the bite.
Red bell pepper: Brings sweet crunch and an irresistible pop of color.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved and juicy, they add summery sweetness in every forkful.
Kalamata olives: Salty and plump, these are classic for Greek flair and savory punch.
Crumbled feta: Creamy, tangy, and salty—it’s not Greek Pasta Salad without it!
Cucumber: Cool, crisp, and refreshing, it gives every bite a juicy snap.
Chopped parsley (extra): Scattered through for extra freshness and color.
Additional salt and pepper: To taste—taste and tweak for your perfect flavor balance.

How to Make Greek Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by bringing a big pot of well-salted water to a lively boil. Drop in your rotini and cook until just al dente—the pasta should have a little bite so it holds up in the salad. As soon as it’s ready, drain and immediately rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking. This trick chills the noodles down fast and keeps them from sticking together, guaranteeing a perfect base for your Greek Pasta Salad.

Step 2: Soak the Red Onion

Thinly slice your red onion, then soak it in cold water with a pinch of salt for about 10 minutes. This quick soak mellows out its sharpness while keeping that essential crunch. Drain well. It’s a small step, but it makes all the difference in balancing the salad’s flavors.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Olive Oil Dressing

Grab a small jar with a lid (or a bowl and whisk) and shake together the lemon juice, zest, minced garlic, parsley, olive oil, oregano if you have it, and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a taste, and tweak if needed—you want it bright, balanced, and just a bit punchy. This dressing will tie your Greek Pasta Salad together and keep it tasting refreshing even after a day or two.

Step 4: Assemble the Greek Pasta Salad

In a huge salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained onions, diced peppers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, sliced cucumber, and plenty of chopped parsley. Pour in about 1/4 cup of your homemade dressing, then gently toss everything together. Add more dressing as needed, a splash at a time, until every piece glistens. Don’t forget to taste and season with a bit more salt and pepper if needed—you want each element to pop!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Greek Pasta Salad is best served slightly chilled or at room temperature, so let it rest in the fridge for at least 10–15 minutes if you can spare the time. This lets all those lovely flavors mingle and soak into the pasta. Before serving, give it one last gentle toss and maybe a sprinkle of extra feta or herbs for good measure.

How to Serve Greek Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Finish your salad with a cascade of crumbled feta, a shower of fresh parsley, and maybe a few whole Kalamata olives or paper-thin lemon slices for a show-stopping look. A little extra drizzle of olive oil or a dusting of cracked black pepper can take the presentation from homey to utterly irresistible.

Side Dishes

Greek Pasta Salad is a champion at the cookout table but pairs beautifully alongside other Mediterranean favorites. Try it with grilled chicken or shrimp, juicy lamb skewers, warm pita bread, or even a bowl of hummus and crisp veggies. Its bold flavors and refreshing crunch shine as a main or a side, so it plays nicely with all your favorite spreads.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, scoop Greek Pasta Salad into individual cups or jars for mess-free mingling. You can also pile it onto a bed of mixed greens for a more substantial salad plate, or stuff it into hollowed bell peppers or avocados for a playful twist. The colorful layers look gorgeous in a trifle bowl or clear serving dish, too—let those veggies steal the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Greek Pasta Salad keeps exceptionally well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep! Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen as it sits, though you may want to toss in a bit of fresh herbs or another splash of dressing before serving to liven it up.

Freezing

While Greek Pasta Salad is best enjoyed fresh or from the fridge, freezing isn’t recommended. The veggies and feta tend to lose their vibrant texture upon thawing, and the pasta can become mushy. Instead, store any extra dressing separately in the fridge for salads or grain bowls throughout the week.

Reheating

This salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is needed. If you prefer it without the chill, just let it sit out for 15–20 minutes before serving. Adding a splash of olive oil or extra lemon can revive any leftovers that have thickened up in the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for Greek Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! While rotini’s spiraled shape is fantastic for trapping dressing, any short pasta—penne, fusilli, farfalle—works beautifully. Just be sure to cook it al dente for best texture.

Is Greek Pasta Salad gluten-free?

It can be! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and double-check that your feta and condiments are gluten-free. The flavors will remain just as vibrant and delicious.

How far in advance can I make Greek Pasta Salad?

This salad is a meal prep superstar. Feel free to assemble it up to a day ahead! Just hold back a bit of the dressing for tossing right before serving to keep everything fresh and lively.

What can I add for extra protein?

To boost the protein, grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or even cubes of salami all pair wonderfully. Simply toss them in with the salad or serve alongside for a more filling meal.

Can I make the dressing without fresh herbs?

Yes! While fresh parsley and oregano deliver peak flavor, dried herbs will still do the trick in a pinch—just use a bit less, since dried herbs are more concentrated. The dressing will still be zesty and rich.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dish that’s sure to spark smiles and second helpings, Greek Pasta Salad is it. Full of color, crunch, and the bold Mediterranean flavors we all crave, it’s simple enough for busy nights and impressive enough for any gathering. Trust me—give this recipe a try, and you’ll have a new staple in your repertoire your friends and family will ask for again and again.