Greek Pasta Salad with Feta, Olives & Fresh Tomatoes

Summer means long, warm days and gatherings with friends and family, and this Greek Pasta Salad is a go-to at my cookouts. It’s a great contrast to grilled meats and works beautifully alongside classic picnic dishes. The combination of tender pasta and crisp, fresh vegetables creates a satisfying texture, while the simple vinaigrette brightens every bite.

Ingredients for Greek Pasta Salad

• Pasta – Choose a small-shape pasta such as ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni so each forkful includes pasta and mix-ins.
• Vegetables – Use fresh summer tomatoes, English cucumber, and colorful bell peppers for crispness and sweetness. Red onion adds a sharp note.
• Cheese – Cubed or crumbled feta provides a salty, tangy contrast that complements the vegetables and dressing.
• Olives – Kalamata olives lend a briny depth to the salad; chop them so the flavor disperses through every bite.
• Dressing – A simple Greek vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper pulls everything together.

Other optional additions include chopped fresh herbs (oregano, parsley, or dill), pepperoncini for heat, or a handful of chopped fresh spinach for added greens.

How To Make Greek Pasta Salad

The foundation of a great pasta salad is well-cooked pasta and fresh produce. Cook the pasta in generously salted water, drain, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta for the salad. Cook the pasta until al dente so it holds up and still has a pleasant bite once dressed. Toss the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables, olives, and feta, then finish with the vinaigrette and chill to allow the flavors to marry.

1. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. Chop the vegetables. Cut tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. Cube or crumble the feta and chop the olives.
3. Make the dressing. Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until combined. Adjust acidity and seasoning to taste.
4. Assemble the salad. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, vegetables, olives, and feta. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
5. Chill and serve. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so the flavors meld. Toss again before serving and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

How To Make Greek Dressing

A bright Greek dressing is simple and quick. Combine three parts extra virgin olive oil to one part red wine vinegar as a base. Add freshly squeezed lemon juice for extra brightness when desired. Season with minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground pepper. A small spoonful of Dijon mustard helps emulsify the dressing and adds a subtle depth of flavor. Shake or whisk until the dressing is well combined.

What is in a Greek Salad?

Traditional Greek salad, or Horiatiki, features fresh tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, Kalamata olives, and a generous slab or chunks of feta. It’s dressed with extra virgin olive oil, sometimes a splash of red wine vinegar or lemon, and seasoned with oregano. The salad highlights seasonal produce and balances juicy, crisp, and salty elements.

How To Make Pasta Salad in Advance

This pasta salad actually benefits from resting in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Allowing it to sit gives the dressing time to penetrate the pasta and vegetables, deepening the overall flavor. Store the salad covered and give it a good toss before serving; you may need to add a splash of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon if it has absorbed much of the dressing.

What To Serve with Pasta Salad

• Grilled or roasted chicken breast
• Barbecue chicken or ribs
• Grilled lamb chops or kebabs
• Hot dogs and other classic picnic fare

More Easy Pasta Salad Recipes

• Amish-style macaroni salad
• Greek tortellini salad
• Cowboy pasta salad
• Caprese tortellini salad
• Tarragon chicken pasta salad
• Mediterranean orzo salad
• Classic spaghetti salad