Great Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Bursting with Mediterranean flavors and vibrant colors, this Great Greek Pasta Salad is a celebration in a bowl! With tender macaroni, crisp veggies, tangy feta, and zesty homemade dressing, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser for sunny days, potlucks, picnics, or a fuss-free weeknight dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unforgettable Flavor: A bold, crave-worthy combo of tangy feta, fresh veggies, and herby vinaigrette in every bite.
  • Perfect Make-Ahead Meal: This Greek pasta salad gets even tastier as it chills—ideal for meal prep, parties, or lunches on the go.
  • Ridiculously Easy to Customize: You can tailor the ingredients and mix-ins to match any craving or dietary need.
  • Crowd-Pleasing and Colorful: A rainbow of vegetables makes this dish universally appealing and stunning on any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Great Greek Pasta Salad is all about bright, bold ingredients that each bring something special to the party! From crisp veggies to creamy cheese and a Greek-inspired vinaigrette, every element plays an essential role in the final flavor and texture.

  • Olive Oil: The base for our luscious dressing—choose a good-quality extra virgin if you can for the best flavor.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Gives classic tang and balances the oil in the vinaigrette.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds essential savory depth in every bite.
  • Dried Basil & Oregano: Authentic Mediterranean herbs that are the backbone of Greek salad flavor.
  • Ground Black Pepper: For just the right kick and aromatic warmth.
  • White Sugar: Softens the acidity and rounds out the dressing.
  • Cooked Elbow Macaroni: Short and sturdy pasta, perfect for soaking up the dressing—feel free to swap for rotini or penne.
  • Fresh Sliced Mushrooms: Earthy, tender and soak up all the flavors.
  • Cherry Tomatoes, Halved: Juicy pops of sweetness and color.
  • Red Bell Peppers: Crunchy and vibrant, they add both sweetness and visual appeal.
  • Crumbled Feta Cheese: For that signature creamy, tangy, salty zing.
  • Chopped Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild bite and a little touch of color.
  • Whole Black Olives: Briny, bold and oh-so-Greek.
  • Pepperoni Sausage, Cut Into Strips (Optional): For a meaty, spicy twist; skip for a vegetarian version.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the great joys of Greek pasta salad is just how flexible it is—feel free to improvise based on what’s in your fridge or pantry, your mood, or your guests’ dietary needs. Let your taste buds be your guide!

  • Make It Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni for an entirely meatless (but still fabulously filling) salad.
  • Add Extra Veggies: Toss in cucumber, artichoke hearts, or baby spinach for more crunch and color.
  • Try a Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and enjoy without worry.
  • Change Up the Cheese: While feta is classic, creamy goat cheese or tangy ricotta salata are delicious alternatives.
  • Swap the Protein: Add grilled chicken or chickpeas for extra staying power and a fun twist.

How to Make Great Greek Pasta Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Greek Vinaigrette

Add olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and white sugar to a large mixing bowl. Whisk heartily until the mixture looks emulsified and fragrant—this punchy dressing will soak lovingly into every nook and cranny of the salad.

Step 2: Prep Your Pasta and Veggies

While the pasta cooks, slice your mushrooms, halve the cherry tomatoes, and chop the red bell peppers and green onions. Drain the olives and cut pepperoni into strips if using. This is a great step to do while catching up with a podcast or chatting with family in the kitchen!

Step 3: Toss It All Together

Add the cooked, cooled macaroni to your big bowl of dressing, followed by all your prepared veggies, feta, olives, and pepperoni. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything gently until everything is evenly coated and beautifully mixed.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight if you can. The chilling time helps all those fabulous flavors meld and makes the Great Greek Pasta Salad taste extra refreshing.

Pro Tips for Making Great Greek Pasta Salad

  • Pasta Perfection: Cook your macaroni just past al dente—slightly softer pasta holds up better once it chills in the dressing and won’t get tough.
  • Vinaigrette Volume: Don’t skimp on the dressing—this salad soaks it up and may need a splash more right before serving!
  • Ultimate Flavor Boost: Letting the salad chill overnight amps up the Mediterranean flavors even more, making it perfect for next-day lunches.
  • Feta at the Finish: Set aside a little extra feta to sprinkle on as a final touch right before serving for a fresh, creamy pop.

How to Serve Great Greek Pasta Salad

Great Greek Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Give your Great Greek Pasta Salad a restaurant-worthy finish with extra crumbled feta, a handful of chopped fresh parsley or dill, and a quick grind of black pepper. A few extra olives on top add a fun visual kick and irresistible brininess.

Side Dishes

This salad is a star on its own but pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, warm pita, or even a big platter of roasted veggies. If you’re serving it at a summer picnic, add a bowl of tzatziki or hummus on the side for dipping!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, serve Great Greek Pasta Salad in a large clear bowl to show off all the colorful layers, or divide it into individual cups for easy mingling. For lunchboxes, pack it in mason jars (dressing on the bottom, pasta and veggies on top) for a fun, mess-free presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Greek pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You’ll find the flavor only deepens as it sits, making it a dream for meal prep and busy weeks.

Freezing

While it’s best eaten fresh, you can freeze portions of Great Greek Pasta Salad if needed—just note that the texture of veggies like tomatoes and mushrooms becomes softer after thawing, so it’s not ideal for entertaining.

Reheating

This dish is meant to be served chilled or at room temperature—no reheating required! If it’s been in the fridge, just give it a good stir and, if you like, add a splash of olive oil or vinegar before serving to freshen up the flavors.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Great Greek Pasta Salad the day before serving?

    Absolutely! In fact, preparing it ahead allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just wait to add any delicate garnishes or extra feta until right before serving for the freshest taste and best presentation.

  2. Is there a way to make this salad vegan?

    Definitely! Swap out the feta cheese for a vegan alternative or simply leave it out. Be sure to omit the pepperoni or use a plant-based version for a totally vegan Great Greek Pasta Salad.

  3. What kind of pasta works best for Greek pasta salad?

    Short pastas like elbow macaroni, rotini, or penne work best—they excel at holding onto the flavorful dressing and mixing well with the chunky veggies and cheese. Whole wheat or gluten-free options also work beautifully!

  4. Why did my salad absorb so much dressing?

    Pasta tends to soak up liquid as it chills, which is why this salad gets more flavorful with time but can sometimes look a bit dry after sitting. If that happens, simply stir in a splash of olive oil or red wine vinegar before serving to revive the texture and brightness.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a big bowl of Great Greek Pasta Salad—whether it’s a sunny afternoon picnic or a cozy night at home. This easy, vibrant recipe is sure to become a favorite in your own kitchen, so give it a whirl and savor every zesty forkful!

Print
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Great Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Great Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 105 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 15 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 25 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: No-Cook
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Greek

Description

This Great Greek Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or as a side for a barbecue. The combination of tangy feta cheese, fresh vegetables, and zesty dressing creates a delicious medley of flavors.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried basil
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3/4 teaspoon white sugar

Salad:

  • 2 1/2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups fresh sliced mushrooms
  • 15 cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup sliced red bell peppers
  • 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 (4 ounce) can whole black olives
  • 3/4 cup sliced pepperoni sausage, cut into strips (Optional)

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients.
  2. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, basil, oregano, black pepper, and sugar together in a large bowl.

  3. Add cooked pasta and vegetables.
  4. Add cooked pasta, mushrooms, tomatoes, red peppers, feta cheese, green onions, olives, and pepperoni. Toss until evenly coated.

  5. Chill the salad.
  6. Cover and chill for 2 hours or overnight.

  7. Serve and enjoy!


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 746
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 1279mg
  • Fat: 56g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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