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This Greek-inspired pasta salad is full of Mediterranean flavors and comes together in no time thanks to a store-bought shortcut! It’s a fresh, colorful salad that’s perfect for serving when you’re feeding a crowd yet simple enough to make for a weeknight meal.
If you’re a pasta salad lover, then my Mediterranean Pasta Salad or my Best Caprese Pasta Salad recipes are must makes!
What’s the secret to this delicious Greek Pasta salad? Marinated feta and olives from the salad or olive bar in your local grocery store! Yep. This stuff is so good. The olives and cheese are marinated in a tangy, herb olive oil that adds a pop of briny flavor that’s irresistible.
Not only is this Greek salad loaded with flavor and fabulous ingredients, but it’s also a favorite of mine because I can make it in about 15 minutes. Even though I try to keep my fridge stocked with salads and food for easy lunches, there are times when I miss the mark. That’s where this salad recipe comes in. It’s quick, easy, full of healthy ingredients, and gives my taste buds a satisfying wake-up call!
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What Goes Into Greek Pasta Salad?
- Cooked Pasta – I used Cellentani because the spirals hold the dressing well, but you can choose whatever shape you like as well as orzo.
- Grape Tomatoes – Roma or cherry tomatoes can be used as well.
- Onion – I used Vidalia, but you can also use yellow or red onion.
- Feta Cheese
- Olive Feta Mix – this mix of kalamata olives, fresh and dried herbs, and feta cheese can be found in the grocery store, most often on the salad bar or olive bar.
- Fresh Parsley
- Dried Oregano
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- Lemon Juice – red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar can be substituted.
- Kosher Salt
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
Scroll Down For Measurements And Instructions
How To Make This Salad Recipe
- In a medium-sized bowl, add olives and feta along with any marinade that has been collected in the container. Add tomatoes, onion, oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, and parsley. Toss gently.
- In a large pot of salted water, cook pasta according to the package directions.
- Drain pasta and rinse lightly with cold water, draining a second time. Add pasta to a large bowl with other ingredients. Using a large spoon, mix to coat pasta with marinade. Taste, then adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately. If storing in the refrigerator, let salad come to room temperature before serving.
How To Make Marinated Olives and Feta Cheese
- Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary, ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add about 7 ounces of cubed or chunked Feta cheese, along with ½ cup of olives. Toss together. It can be stored in a mason jar with a lid or other airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.
Tips and Tricks For Greek Pasta Salad
- If you’re serving the salad at a party or potluck, you can prepare the salad ingredients and dress separately and then toss them together just before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing too much of the dressing and becoming soggy.
- Use extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice for the most vibrant and flavorful dressing. You can also use prepared Greek salad dressing if desired.
- Use high-quality Greek feta cheese for the best flavor and texture
- If you don’t have fresh lemons on hand, you can use bottled lemon juice, but keep in mind that fresh lemon juice will give you a brighter and more flavorful dressing.
Commonly Asked Questions
Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like. However, keep in mind that some types of pasta, like spaghetti or linguine, maybe too thin and delicate for a pasta salad. Rotini, penne, or fusilli are good options that hold up well in this salad.
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. However, it’s best to dress the salad just before serving to keep the pasta from becoming too soft and mushy. You can prepare the ingredients and dressing separately and then toss them together just before serving.
You bet! It’s great with all kinds of veggies like bell peppers, asparagus, and celery. Add some protein like chicken or tuna to turn this salad into a main dish.
Great Served As A Side Dish With
- Ham Jam Sandwich – A Ham Jam Sandwich is perfect for lunch or a picnic with Greek Pasta Salad.
- Air Fryer Hot Dogs – Pasta Salad is an outstanding side dish for “hot dog night” with family or friends.
- Grilled Lemon Chicken – The bright, citrus flavor of grilled lemon chicken pairs perfectly with the tangy marinated feta and fresh lemon dressing in the Greek Pasta Salad.
- Cajun Garlic Shrimp – The rich, buttery flavor of the shrimp is a delicious complement to the briny olives and feta cheese in the salad.
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Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked pasta – pick what you like , I used Cellentani because the spirals hold the dressing well.
- 1 to 2 cups marinated green & black olives with feta cheese – I bought mine at The Fresh Market
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – cut in half
- ½ onion – thin sliced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup feta cheese – crumbled
- salt and fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- In a medium size bowl, add olives and feta along with any marinade that has collected in container. Add tomatoes, onion, oregano, lemon juice, olive oil and parsley. Toss gently.
- Cook pasta according to package directions
- Drain pasta and rinse lightly, draining a second time. Add pasta to bowl with other ingredients. Using a large spoon, mix to coat pasta with marinade. Taste, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately. If storing in refrigerator, let salad come to room temperature before serving.
Video
Notes
- Whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon dried rosemary, ¼ teaspoon salt in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add about 7 ounces of cubed or chunked Feta cheese, along with ½ cup of olives. Toss together. It can be stored in a mason jar with a lid or other airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.
Nutrition
This post was originally posted in January, 2017 and updated in April 2023.
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Hey there Guillermo!
Thank you so much for your kind words and your phenomenal rating, I am thrilled to hear that you enjoyed this recipe! If you liked this pasta salad, you should check out my Strawberry Caprese Pasta Salad, it’s a sweet, fresh twist on a classic recipe and the flavors are incredible. Let me know if you ever have any questions about a recipe, I’d be more than happy to help!
~Donya
There is an olive bar at my local grocery store too, I’ll have to get some for your recipe! I love all the fresh flavors! I found you at the Weekend Potluck.
Thanks for sharing! Hope you try the recipe and let me know what you think.
Xo,
~Donya