Can I make my Greek pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Letting your salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to several hours helps all the flavors meld together. It’s an ideal make-ahead dish for picnics and potlucks.

How do I know if my pasta is al dente?

Taste your pasta about 2 minutes before the recommended cooking time on the package. It should be tender yet still have a bit of a bite. Remember, overcooked pasta can turn mushy once combined with the dressing.

What are some good substitutions?

If you’re not a fan of red onions, try using shallots or green onions for a milder flavor. For a dairy-free version, omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based alternative.

Greek Pasta Salad Recipe: The Ultimate Mediterranean Delight

Name: Greek Pasta Salad
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 16 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 16 ounces rotini or other medium pasta; 3/4 English cucumber (diced,); 1 pint grape tomatoes (halved,); 1 red or orange bell pepper (diced,); 1/2 cup sliced pitted olives (Kalamata preferred,); 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/3 cup diced red onion; 1 cup Greek dressing (store-bought or homemade,); Salt and pepper (to taste)

Description

Greek Pasta Salad is an easy, flavorful side dish perfect for parties and potlucks. This recipe combines al dente pasta with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, red onions, crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives tossed in a tangy Greek dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

16 ounces rotini or other medium pasta
3/4 English cucumber (diced,)
1 pint grape tomatoes (halved,)
1 red or orange bell pepper (diced,)
1/2 cup sliced pitted olives (Kalamata preferred,)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup diced red onion
1 cup Greek dressing (store-bought or homemade,)
Salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, wash and chop the cucumber, grape tomatoes, red or orange bell pepper, and red onion.

Combine Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, sliced olives, and crumbled feta cheese.

Add Dressing

Pour the Greek dressing over the salad. Toss all the ingredients together until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Calories: 328