Greek Pasta Salad

Discover the ultimate Greek Pasta Salad recipe! Packed with Mediterranean flavors, this easy and versatile dish combines rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and zesty Greek dressing. Perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or as a healthy side dish, this salad is a must-try for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. rotini pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¾ English cucumber, diced (about 2 cups)
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup pitted kalamata olives or black olives
• ¾ cup feta cheese, crumbled
• ¼ cup parsley, roughly chopped
• 1 cup Greek salad dressing (see notes for a homemade version)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta until al dente (or 30 seconds shy; set a timer to prevent overcooking). Drain and spread the pasta on a tray or parchment paper. Drizzle with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and let it cool.
2. Prepare the Ingredients: While the pasta cools, dice the vegetables, crumble the feta cheese, chop the parsley, and make the Greek dressing if you’re using a homemade version.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and parsley. Add the Greek dressing and toss everything together until well-coated.
4. Chill: For best results, refrigerate the salad for 2 hours before serving.
5. If Preparing Ahead: If making the salad 8-12 hours in advance, toss it with an additional ½ cup of dressing just before serving, as the pasta may absorb some of the dressing during storage.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Flavorful: The combination of fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and zesty Greek dressing makes every bite delicious.
• Versatile: Ideal for picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish for grilled meats.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better when prepared in advance, saving you time on the day of serving.

Tips

• Pasta Cooling: Spread the pasta out to cool quickly and avoid clumping.
• Dressing Absorption: Save extra dressing to refresh the salad before serving if preparing ahead.
• Custom Cutting: Dice vegetables evenly for consistent bites and presentation.

Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Additions: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Vegetable Swaps: Use red bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts for variety.
• Cheese Options: Substitute goat cheese or mozzarella for feta if preferred.
• Dressing: Use store-bought or create your own with olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Bowtie, penne, or fusilli pasta work well as substitutes.

How long does Greek pasta salad last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Refresh with additional dressing as needed.

Is this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Serving and Suggestions

• Serve this salad as a standalone dish for a light meal or pair it with grilled chicken, fish, or lamb for a heartier option.
• It’s an excellent addition to a picnic spread, barbecue, or potluck.
• Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a finishing touch.