This post contains affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this refreshing and colorful Greek Pasta Salad.
Packed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and crumbled feta cheese, this dish is a delightful blend of textures and a perfect summer side dish or light lunch.
Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.
Table of Contents
Bowtie Greek Pasta Salad
Craving a light, flavorful, and refreshing salad that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Greek Pasta Salad! This vibrant and versatile dish bursts with the sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean.
Imagine juicy cherry tomatoes bursting with sweetness, crisp cucumbers adding a refreshing crunch, and salty olives providing a delightful savory contrast. All tossed together with al dente pasta, a zesty lemon vinaigrette, and generous crumbles of feta cheese, this salad creates a harmony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight side dish, a potluck showstopper, or a light lunch on a hot summer day, this Greek Pasta Salad is sure to become a new favorite. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe, it’s the perfect meal for busy cooks and culinary novices alike. So, get ready to transport your taste buds to the Greek islands with this mouthwatering salad!
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad
To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:
- Bowtie pasta (8 ounces) – Bowtie pasta, with its fun shape and excellent sauce-catching abilities, serves as a delightful and sturdy base for the salad.
- Grape tomatoes (1 cup) – Juicy grape tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and vibrant color, enhancing the salad’s freshness.
- Cucumber (1) – Crisp cucumber offers a cool, refreshing crunch, contributing to the salad’s light and hydrating qualities.
- Bell pepper (1) – Colorful bell peppers bring a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a satisfying crunch to the mix.
- Red onion (1/2) – Thinly sliced red onion provides a sharp, slightly spicy element that contrasts beautifully with the other fresh ingredients.
- Kalamata olives (1 cup) – Briny Kalamata olives lend a rich, savory depth and a touch of Mediterranean authenticity to the salad.
- Feta cheese (1 cup) – Crumbly feta cheese adds a creamy texture and a tangy, salty kick that balances the salad’s flavors.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup) – Chopped fresh parsley infuses the dish with a burst of herbaceous freshness and a pop of green.
- Olive oil (1/2 cup) – Extra virgin olive oil serves as the heart of the dressing, offering a smooth, fruity base that ties all the flavors together.
- Water (1/4 cup) – A splash of water can be used to adjust the dressing’s consistency without diluting its robust flavors.
- Red wine vinegar (3 tablespoons) – Red wine vinegar introduces a zesty acidity that brightens the salad and complements the olive oil.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons) – Fresh lemon juice adds a citrusy tang that elevates the salad’s overall freshness and zest.
- Honey (2 tablespoons) – A hint of honey brings a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon) – Dijon mustard lends a creamy texture and a sharp, tangy flavor that adds complexity to the dressing.
- Garlic (2) – Minced garlic contributes a pungent, aromatic warmth that deepens the salad’s savory profile.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon) – Dried oregano sprinkled throughout imparts a classic Mediterranean flavor that’s earthy and slightly bitter.
- Dried dill (1 teaspoon) – Fresh or dried dill adds a unique, slightly sweet and grassy note that complements the other herbs.
- Sea salt (1/2 teaspoon) – Coarse sea salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, highlighting their freshness.
- Garlic salt (½ tsp) – Garlic salt adds an extra layer of garlicky flavor and seasoning, enriching the overall taste.
- Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) – Freshly ground black pepper introduces a mild heat and aromatic kick, rounding out the salad’s flavor profile.
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use the following process:
Cook Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente pasta. Drain well and rinse with cold water.
Add Veg. While the pasta cooks, chop the vegetables and add them to a large bowl.
Combine. Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake well. Add the rinsed and drained pasta to the bowl with the vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing to coat everything evenly. Serve and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks to Perfect Greek Pasta Salad
Choose the Right Pasta: Use a sturdy pasta shape that will hold up well in the salad, such as penne, fusilli, or rotini. Cook the pasta until al dente according to the package instructions, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients, including ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, tangy feta cheese, and flavorful herbs. Using the best ingredients will enhance the overall taste and texture of the salad.
Balance Flavors and Textures: Aim for a balance of flavors and textures in the salad. Incorporate a mix of sweet, salty, tangy, and savory elements, along with crunchy and creamy textures, to create a well-rounded dish.
Season Generously: Season the pasta salad generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors of the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.
Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or oregano add brightness and freshness to the salad. Chop the herbs finely and toss them into the salad just before serving for maximum flavor.
Marinate Ingredients: For extra flavor, marinate some of the salad ingredients, such as the tomatoes or cucumbers, in a simple vinaigrette dressing before adding them to the pasta. Allowing time is crucial for flavors to meld together!
Don’t Overdress the Salad: Start by tossing the pasta with a small amount of dressing, then gradually add more as needed. Pasta salad should be lightly coated with dressing, not drowning.
Chill Before Serving: Allow the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and for the salad to become cold and refreshing.
Garnish Creatively: Before serving, garnish the pasta salad with additional feta cheese, olives, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.
Serve at the Right Temperature: Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature for the best taste and texture. If serving outdoors, keep the salad chilled in a cooler until ready to serve.
FAQs
Short, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle are ideal for Greek Pasta Salad because they hold the dressing well and are easy to eat with the other salad ingredients.
Yes, you can make it in advance. In fact, letting it sit for a few hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld together. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving and possibly refresh it with a little extra dressing or a squeeze of lemon.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often improve the next day as the pasta absorbs the dressing.
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make great protein additions to the salad for a more filling meal.
Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, then rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This helps maintain its texture when mixed with the dressing and other ingredients.
Greek Pasta Salad can be a healthy option, especially if you use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta and load it up with fresh vegetables. The olives and feta cheese add healthy fats, but keep an eye on portion sizes to manage calorie intake.
While homemade dressing is recommended for the best flavor, you can certainly use a store-bought Greek or Mediterranean-style dressing for convenience. Just taste it first and adjust the seasoning of the salad as needed.
If olives or feta aren’t to your taste, you can omit them or substitute with ingredients you prefer, such as capers for olives or diced mozzarella for feta, to maintain the salad’s Mediterranean character.
What to Serve With Greek Pasta Salad
Grilled Chicken or Lamb Kebabs: The smoky flavors of the meat complement the zesty and fresh taste of the salad.
Pita Bread and Hummus: Soft, warm pita bread and creamy hummus make for a perfect side, adding a different texture and richness.
Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These offer a savory, lemony bite that pairs well with the salad’s Mediterranean flavors.
Tzatziki Sauce: A cool, creamy cucumber yogurt sauce that adds a refreshing contrast to the salad.
Spanakopita: Spinach and feta wrapped in flaky phyllo dough provide a crispy, savory pastry option.
Baklava: For a sweet ending, the nutty and syrupy layers of baklava make an excellent dessert choice.
Greek-style Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs, these potatoes are a hearty addition.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, sweet side of mixed fruits can cleanse the palate and balance the meal.
White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine like Assyrtiko complements the salad’s acidity and flavors.
Sparkling Water with Lemon: A refreshing beverage option that enhances the meal’s fresh, zesty notes.
Try these Greek recipes next:
If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Pease also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!
Follow on Instagram
Click here to view the web story for this recipe!
CONNECT WITH SWEET C’S!
Be sure to follow me on social media and get in on all the fun!
Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!
Greek Pasta Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 cup grape tomatoes sliced in half
- 1 seedless cucumber sliced into quarters
- 1 bell pepper diced
- ½ small red onion diced
- 1 cup Kalamata olives drained and sliced
- 1 cup feta cheese crumbed
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Dressing
- ½ cup olive oil
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente pasta. Drain well and rinse with cold water.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the vegetables and add them to a large bowl.
- Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake well.
- Add the rinsed and drained pasta to the bowl with the vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing to coat everything evenly. Serve and enjoy!
Delicious
Yummy!
Yum