Fresh Mediterranean Flavor in Every Bite
This Greek pasta salad is bright, refreshing, and packed with classic Mediterranean flavors. Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, creamy feta, and tender pasta are tossed in a simple homemade Greek dressing that’s zesty and vibrant. It’s the perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, summer BBQs, meal prep lunches, or a light weeknight dinner. Ready in under 30 minutes, this colorful salad saves time while delivering bold flavor in every bite. If you love fresh, healthy pasta salads, this one will quickly become a favorite!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
📝 Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely sliced
- 3/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese, cubed or crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Greek Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large pot
- Colander
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Small whisk or jar with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente (8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
2️⃣ Prep the vegetables.
While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber into small even cubes, and thinly slice the red onion.
3️⃣ Make the dressing.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined and slightly emulsified.
4️⃣ Assemble the salad.
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley.
5️⃣ Toss & chill.
Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated. The salad should look glossy and well mixed 🥗✨
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6️⃣ Serve.
Toss again before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Add extra feta on top for a beautiful finish 😊
💡 Pro Tips
- Best flavor: Chill for 2–4 hours before serving for deeper Mediterranean flavor.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days. Stir and refresh with a splash of olive oil before serving.
- Add protein: Grilled chicken or chickpeas make it a complete meal.
- Reduce sharpness: Soak red onions in cold water for 5 minutes before adding to mellow their bite.
🌿 Variations
- Orzo Version: Swap rotini for orzo for a lighter texture.
- Creamy Twist: Add 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt to the dressing.
- Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers or artichoke hearts.
- Low-Carb Option: Use chickpea or lentil pasta.
❓ FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! It tastes even better the next day.
Do I need to rinse the pasta?
Yes, for pasta salad it helps cool it quickly and prevents sticking.
Can I use bottled Greek dressing?
Absolutely. Use about 3/4 cup and adjust to taste.
What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like rotini, penne, or bowtie holds dressing best.