Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe (2024)

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In this post, we’ll show you how to make Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese. This colorful, fresh pasta salad makes a wonderful BBQ, or cookout salad that you can easily make or prep ahead of time. Loaded with vibrant flavor thanks to the homemade Greek dressing, this recipe is incredibly easy and a crowd-pleaser!

Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe (1)

Freshly chopped vegetables and cooked rotini pasta, and homemade Greek dressing come together to make this summer salad staple. The addition of the salty, flavorful feta cheese adds a nice tang to this scrumptious side dish. We personally love to make this on Sundays for weekday meal prep since it lasts a good 4-5 days!

Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe (2)

Ingredients

Before starting this recipe, you’ll want to verify that you have the following ingredients:

Salad

  • Rotini Pasta – We like the rotini shape for this pasta salad, but you can use pretty much any you prefer. The pasta shape is very forgiving in this recipe.
  • Feta cheese – This cheese gives this salad a nice salty tang.
  • Onion – Purple onion adds flavor and a nice bite to this salad.
  • Red Pepper – Sweet red bell pepper adds a sweet flavor thanks to its red color.
  • Cucumbers
  • Tomatoes – Grape tomatoes add a nice color and flavor. You can use a variety of colors ranging from yellow to red in this recipe for a variant of color and sweet flavor.
  • Kalamata Olives – A salty, briny olive that is traditionally found in Mediterranean dishes. These are optional but worth it!
  • Basil – Fresh basil adds a sweet, vibrant flavor and complements the fresh Greek dressing.
  • Spice – Fresh cracked black pepper adds some tasty flavor.
Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe (3)

Greek Dressing

Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe (4)
  • Fresh garlic– We used 2 small cloves since we love fresh garlic for its taste and health benefits.
  • Extra virgin olive oil– a quality brand will really make a difference.
  • Red wine vinegar– this acid provides flavor and cuts the oil.
  • Fresh lemon juice– Adds flavor and additional acid.
  • Dijon mustard– provides flavor and a nice spice kick.
  • Oregano– this dried spice adds to the iconic taste this dressing boasts.
  • Salt & pepper– because every good dressing needs these classic spices.
  • Basil – A little chopped basil add a nice touch (optional)
  • Shallots – Adds a nice flavor and texture (optional)
Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe (5)

Equipment and Supplies Needed

We used the following equipment and supplies to make this recipe. Items that are optional or can be substituted will be noted.

  • Cutting board – To chop/dice the herbs and veggies.
  • Stock pot – A 6-quart stockpot to boil your pasta until al dente.
  • Colander – to strain pasta and washed vegetables.
  • Garlic press – To get all those lovely oils from your fresh garlic cloves.
  • Chef’s knife – To chop/dice the herbs and veggies.
  • Mixing bowl/serving bowls – To mix/store your salad.
Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe (6)

Directions

Prepare dressing ingredients and whisk them together. Store dressing in an airtight container, or dressing holder and store it in the fridge.

Bring a stockpot with water to a boil, and cook pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, rinse pasta with cool water, and strain in the colander.

Add all the chopped veggies to the pasta as well as the cheese, and dressing; toss to combine.

Store the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to fully marinade.

Recipe Tips

This recipe is easy to make if you know the right tips and tricks! Here are my tips for ensuring your Greek Pasta Salad comes out perfectly.

Cheese

You can use traditional crumbled feta, reduced fat/fat-free feta, goat cheese, or even cubed mozzarella cheese or mini pearls in this recipe. While feta is the traditionally Mediterranean pasta salad option the others work well too.

Pasta

While we used rotini style pasta, you can use your favorite shape, or variety including whole wheat. The shape is very forgiving and will not make or break this meal.

Olives

If you do not like olives, you can skip them altogether. Additionally, you can use black sliced olives as well if that is all you have.

Dressing

You can prepare this fresh Greek dressing recipe, or use bottled dressing which will also work well.

Storage

If you want to store your Greek Pasta Salad with Feta, just follow these easy steps.

This recipe will last up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to remix the salad to incorporate the flavors.

Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe (7)

More Summer Pasta Salad Recipes

  • Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad
  • Crab Pasta Salad
  • Shrimp Pesto Pasta Salad
  • Vegetable Quinoa Pasta Salad

Recipe

Follow the recipe below to make Greek Pasta Salad. This recipe makes 16 SERVINGS, but you can adjust the recipe card for other serving sizes.

Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe (8)

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5 from 2 votes

Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese

This colorful, fresh pasta salad makes a wonderful BBQ, or cookout salad that you can easily make or prep ahead of time. Loaded with vibrant flavor thanks to the homemade Greek dressing, this recipe is incredibly easy and a crowd-pleaser!

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 2 hours hours

Total Time 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 16 servings

Calories 62cal

Author Amy Desrosiers

Cost $7

Equipment

  • chef's knife

  • Cutting board

  • garlic press

  • Mixing & storing bowls

  • 6 quart stock pot

  • Colander

  • Stovetop

Ingredients

Greek Dressing

  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup red wine vinegar
  • tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic pressed
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh basil chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Shallots minced
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
  • teaspoon fresh-cracked black pepper

Greek Pasta Salad

  • 16 ounces rotini pasta boiled until al dente
  • 1 large red bell pepper cored, seeded, chopped
  • 1 cup cucumbers peeled, chopped
  • ½ cup red onion diced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup feta cheese crumbled
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives optional
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped

Instructions

Dressing

  • Add oil, vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, mustard, and spices to a small bowl, and whisk to combine.

  • Store dressing in an air-tight glass jar for up to one week in the refrigerator. Shake before using.

Greek Salad

  • Bring a stockpot with water to a boil, and cook pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, rinse pasta with cool water, and strain in the colander.

  • Add all the chopped veggies to the pasta as well as the cheese, and dressing; toss to combine.

  • Store the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to fully marinade.

Notes

Nutritional values may vary and are meant to be a guide.

Storage:

This recipe will last up to 5 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You may need to remix the salad to incorporate the flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 62cal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 40mg | Potassium: 6mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 1mg

Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe (9)

About Amy Desrosiers

Hi! I am Amy! I am a former teacher, fueled by coffee, and cheese. I love photography and always have a camera handy! I might be a little obsessed with cute photography props, and Rae Dunn, but all is good! Welcome to my site! I hope you find an easy to make recipe, or product you might also love!

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Greek Pasta Salad with Feta Cheese Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are the five mistakes to avoid pasta salad? ›

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Making Pasta Salad
  • Using the wrong pasta. The wrong pasta type or size can make pasta salad soggy, slimy, or just plain hard to eat. ...
  • Salting only once, at the end. ...
  • Too many raw ingredients! ...
  • Overdressing or underdressing the salad. ...
  • Not seasoning again just before serving.

How do you keep Greek salad from getting soggy? ›

Place a folded paper towel in the bottom of your meal prep container to keep greens from getting soggy. Sprinkle Greek herbs over the top for extra Mediterranean flavor. Be sure to keep the dressing separate from the salad until you're ready to eat it. You can use these disposable containers or this reusable container.

Why Greek salad is ever so good for you? ›

The foundation of a Greek salad consists of cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers, all of which are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These vegetables are known to support overall health and are especially beneficial for maintaining clear skin and good digestion.

What is Greek salad cheese? ›

Today, feta cheese goes under many names. For instance, it can be called salad cheese, Greek-style cheese or feta-style cheese. These designations refer to a brined curd white cheese made from sheep milk or a mixture of sheep and goat milk.

Should I rinse pasta when making pasta salad? ›

If you're making a dish that will be served chilled or at room temp—think cold soba, rice noodles, pasta salad—you do want to rinse so that you get toothsome (sorry) individual strands rather than one big gummy clump. Certain types of noodles benefit from a rinse in almost all applications.

What not to do when making pasta? ›

Cooking pasta: 5 mistakes
  1. Toss the pasta when the water is cold. This is probably the most common and also the most serious mistake you can make in cooking pasta. ...
  2. Using the wrong measure of salt. ...
  3. Cooking pasta in a small pot. ...
  4. Overcooking the pasta. ...
  5. Drain the pasta too much.
Sep 14, 2023

Why is my Greek salad bitter? ›

Traditional Greek & Mediterranean cuisine, involves a lot of vegetables like eggplants, zucchinis, artichokes et. c.. All of them are naturally bitter, so you must know how to cook them in order to taste good. Most recipes will require you to add stuff like salt, sugar, lemon juice, vinegar, condiments et.

Is it OK to eat Greek salad everyday? ›

It is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, potassium, and iron. It also contains ingredients full of phytonutrients and antioxidants, such as oil and onion, which reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease. We suggest adding this low-fat superfood to your everyday diet!

Why did my pasta salad get hard? ›

An important thing to remember about pasta is that it hardens and gets chewy as it cools. Since it's not being served hot or with sauce, the pasta benefits from an extra minute of cooking, but don't let it get mushy. → Follow this tip: For a well-cooked pasta salad, plan to cook the pasta until just past al dente.

Are feta cheese good for you? ›

When it comes to cheese, feta is a healthy choice. Not only is it packed with protein and fat – both essential nutrients for helping you to feel full and energised – it's also good for your gut. Probiotic yeasts in feta may lower the PH in your stomach, which is key for a healthy gut.

Will I lose weight if I eat Greek salad everyday? ›

"Eating salads on a daily basis as part of an overall healthy lifestyle may support gradual weight loss over time," says Karnatz. "This is because leafy greens are low in calories and high in volume and fiber, which will keep you satisfied for longer," she adds.

Can you eat too much Greek salad? ›

Yes, eating too much salad can cause diarrhea in some cases. While salads are generally considered a healthy food choice, eating excessive amounts of raw vegetables, particularly if they are high in fiber, can lead to digestive problems.

What's the difference between feta cheese and Greek cheese? ›

Feta is a Greek variety of white brine cheese. One notable difference is that all the other cheeses are made by mixing sheep, goat and cow milk in varying amounts. Feta on the other hand is made by sheep's milk with a maximum 30% of goat's milk.

What is the difference between feta and Greek feta? ›

French Feta is made with Lacaune sheep's milk (if you remember, that's the sheep breed used for Roquefort production). It has a softer and creamier texture that Greek Feta and a milder, less tangy flavor (though it's sharper than Israeli Feta).

What's the difference between Greek salad cheese and feta? ›

Because feta is protected by a PDO, a cheese cannot be called feta unless it's made using sheep's milk with no more than 30 percent goat's milk from animals that graze on specific flora and fauna in Greece. The imitation 'salad cheese' is often made with cow's milk, and pressed into a block shape, which feta cannot be.

What are the seven things that you should not do when preparing the salad? ›

Common Salad Mistakes
  1. Here are seven things you should NOT do when making salads: Too much dressing. ...
  2. Pouring on the dressing. ...
  3. Wet salad leaves. ...
  4. Not seasoning it. ...
  5. Subpar salad dressings. ...
  6. Uncreative toppings. ...
  7. Served in a bowl.
May 13, 2013

When creating a salad what 5 factors should you consider? ›

But today, I am going to teach you how to make a salad without using a recipe so you, too, can become a salad artist. Sound like a deal? There are five elements to a perfect salad: greens, sweetness, creaminess, crunchiness, and dressing.

Should you run pasta under cold water for pasta salad? ›

The starch in the water is what helps the sauce adhere to your pasta. The only time you should ever rinse your pasta is when you are going to use it in a cold dish like a pasta salad or when you are not going to use it immediately. In those cases, rinsing the pasta helps to stop the cooking process.

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