Indulge in a refreshing Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any occasion! This easy-to-make recipe combines pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, flavorful Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty dressing. In just 35 minutes, you'll have a vibrant, delicious salad ready to impress your guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal with this Mediterranean delight!
8 oz (about 225g) rotini or penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, finely diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1 bell pepper (any color), diced into small pieces
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced in half
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces
1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
1/4 cup high-quality olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional for flavor; substitute with fresh lemon juice if desired)
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
![- 8 oz (about 225g) rotini or penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, finely diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced into small pieces - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced in half - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled into bite-sized pieces - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped - 1/4 cup high-quality olive oil - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (optional for flavor) - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste You can make this salad your own. Try adding: - Grilled chicken or shrimp for protein - Artichoke hearts for extra flavor - Sun-dried tomatoes for a sweeter touch - Avocado for creaminess - Different herbs like mint or dill for freshness Fresh ingredients shine in this salad. Here’s how to pick the best: - Choose firm, bright cherry tomatoes. They should smell sweet. - Look for a cucumber with smooth skin. It should feel heavy for its size. - Pick bell peppers that are shiny and firm. Avoid any with soft spots. - For olives, select Kalamata that are dark and plump. - Get feta cheese that is crumbly and moist, not dry. Using fresh ingredients elevates the flavor and makes your Easy Greek Pasta Salad a true delight. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad 🥗! Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This step is key to flavor. Add 8 oz of rotini or penne pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well. Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down. This keeps the texture just right. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Next, toss in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, and 1/2 finely chopped red onion. Don’t forget 1 diced bell pepper, which adds color and crunch. Add 1 cup of Kalamata olives that you’ve pitted and sliced. Finally, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of roughly chopped fresh parsley. Mix everything well to combine the flavors. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing. Use 1/4 cup of high-quality olive oil. Add 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice if you prefer a brighter taste. Squeeze in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for extra zest. Mix in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Whisk until the ingredients blend into a smooth dressing. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mix. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients well with the dressing. This step is crucial for flavor. Now, softly fold in the crumbled feta cheese. Be careful not to break the cheese too much; you want those nice chunks. For the best flavor, cover the salad with plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This waiting period allows the flavors to blend beautifully. After chilling, taste the salad. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Enjoy making this Easy Greek Pasta Salad! For the Full Recipe, check the link. To make the best Greek pasta salad, start with the right pasta. Use rotini or penne, as they hold the dressing well. Cook the pasta just right. It should be al dente, so it stays firm. Rinse it under cold water after cooking. This step cools the pasta and stops it from cooking more. Next, chop your veggies evenly. This way, each bite has a bit of everything. Fresh ingredients bring the best flavor. Use ripe cherry tomatoes and a crisp cucumber. Kalamata olives add a nice briny touch. Don’t forget the feta cheese! It should be crumbly but not too small. Many people overcook the pasta. This makes it mushy and not enjoyable. Also, don’t skip the rinsing step. It keeps the pasta from sticking together. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Taste your salad after mixing. You might need more salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Always adjust to make it perfect for your palate. Lastly, let your salad chill before serving. This step allows the flavors to blend and deepen. A quick chill of at least 20 minutes works wonders. For more flavor, try adding fresh herbs. Basil or dill can brighten the dish. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. This gives your salad a nice kick. Experiment with your dressing too! Swap red wine vinegar for lemon juice for a brighter taste. A splash of balsamic vinegar can also add depth. Lastly, if you want a creamier salad, mix in some Greek yogurt. It adds richness without overpowering other flavors. For the full recipe, check out the Mediterranean Delight Pasta Salad. Enjoy making this simple and colorful dish! {{image_4}} You can easily add proteins to your Easy Greek Pasta Salad. Grilled chicken or canned tuna are great choices. They boost the dish's nutrition and make it more filling. For chicken, use cooked, diced pieces. For tuna, just drain and flake it. Mix your chosen protein right into the salad for a complete meal. Feel free to switch up the veggies in your pasta salad. Different colors and flavors keep it exciting. Try adding artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers. You can also use zucchini or spinach for a fresh twist. Just chop them into small pieces and mix them in. If you want a vegan version, swap feta cheese for a plant-based alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. There are many types available now. This way, you can enjoy the salad without worry. Check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs. Find the full recipe at [Full Recipe]. To keep your Easy Greek Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air and moisture from spoiling your salad. If you have leftovers, make sure to cool the salad before sealing it. This keeps the flavors intact and avoids sogginess. You can also separate the dressing if you want to keep the salad crisp for longer. This salad tastes best cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. If you find the pasta has absorbed the dressing, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice. Toss it gently to revive the flavors. If you stored the salad in the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. This will enhance the taste and texture. Your Easy Greek Pasta Salad can last about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Always check for any signs of spoilage. Look for changes in color or texture. If you notice any off smells, discard it. Trust your senses; if something seems off, it’s better to be safe. Enjoy your salad while it's fresh for the best taste! You can store Easy Greek Pasta Salad in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Keep it in a sealed container to keep it fresh. If you see any signs of spoilage, like an off smell or discoloration, it's best to toss it out. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! In fact, it tastes better after sitting for a while. The flavors meld together nicely. I recommend making it a few hours in advance or even the night before. Just remember to add the feta cheese right before serving to keep it fresh. Greek Pasta Salad pairs well with various dishes. You can serve it alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. It also works great as a side for burgers or sandwiches. If you're having a picnic, it's perfect with some crusty bread and hummus. Yes, you can substitute feta cheese if you prefer. Try using goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor. For a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based cheese. Just keep in mind that the taste will change slightly, but the salad will still be delicious! This blog post covers how to make Easy Greek Pasta Salad. We discussed essential ingredients and tips for freshness. You learned steps to prepare the salad, mix the ingredients, and make the dressing. We highlighted ways to enhance flavors and avoid common mistakes. Plus, you can try various protein and veggie options. Finally, you got storage tips to keep the salad fresh. Enjoy making this salad for your next meal or gathering! It’s simple, tasty, and fun to customize.](https://goldendishy.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/0fc22d26-3c6f-4a8e-aae2-92058968a948-300x300.webp)