A summer staple with both bright colors and fresh flavor. This Easy Greek Pasta Salad is a great addition to your summer cookouts or dinner parties.
Easy Greek Pasta Salad
Just in time for summer, this Easy Greek Pasta Salad is a great recipe to bring along to any BBQ, summer party, or picnic. It is a crowd-pleasing side dish full of vegetables and flavor. Cucumbers, red onion, olives, tomatoes, and crunchy bell peppers will delight your taste buds! The delicious, tangy Greek vinaigrette is the perfect taste for summer.
Turn this easy recipe into your next easy summer dinner! Simply add some shredded or chopped chicken breast to add some additional protein and you'll be all set!
Easy Greek pasta salad ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to make this delicious Greek pasta salad.
- chickpea pasta
- kalamata olives
- cucumber
- red onion
- bell pepper
- grape or cherry tomatoes
- feta cheese
- Greek vinaigrette
How to make a easy Greek pasta salad
- In a large pot, cook the pasta until al dente. Once cooked, drain and place under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Pour into a large bowl and set aside.
- Wash and dice all the veggies, including cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, onion, and olives.
- Add the veggies to the bowl with cooled pasta and cheese.
- Add the greek vinaigrette dressing into the bowl and mix well.
- Keep in fridge until ready to serve.
Easy Greek pasta salad substitution ideas
For this summer pasta salad, I've included some substitution / addition ideas:
- Pasta: I use chickpea pasta for the extra protein, but you can use any pasta you have. I do suggest you use a "short" pasta like penne pasta or rotini pasta vs longer noodles such as spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Dressing: In this recipe I use a store bought Greek dressing, but if you're someone who would rather make your own, you easily do that at home.
- Fresh Veggies: If you're looking to add some extra fresh vegetables, try artichoke hearts, crisp cucumbers, or red peppers.
- Fresh Herbs: Some fresh oregano or fresh basil would taste delicious in this recipe.
- Extra Protein: To make this recipe a complete meal, or just add some extra protien, add some chopped or shredded chicken.
How long does a pasta salad last in the fridge?
It is best to store this pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last up to 5 days!
How to meal prep this Greek pasta salad recipe
This refreshing pasta salad makes 6 servings but will only last in the fridge for 5. Make sure you take that into consideration when you're making this recipe.
When meal prepping, I think it is easiest to divvy up the individual servings into separate containers. That way when you're ready to eat one, all you have to do is grab one from your fridge!
What is the dressing made of in traditional Greek pasta salad?
This pasta salad recipe uses a pre-made dressing. However, homemade Greek salad dressing is not difficult to make and you just need to round up a few ingredients to make it happen!
The basics of the dressing ingredients include red wine vinegar, a little olive oil, fresh garlic, oregano, and Dijon mustard. For a quick, easy Greek vinaigrette, try this recipe!
How do you keep Greek pasta salad from getting soggy?
To keep your pasta salad from getting soggy, make sure you are utilizing these techniques:
- Let the pasta cool completely before adding together with the rest of the ingredients.
- If you're meal prepping this recipe, wait to add the dressing until you're ready to enjoy.
- Make sure you are not overcooking or undercooking the pasta.
- Don't skip the pasta-rinsing step!
What should I serve with Greek pasta salad
The best part of this recipe is all the dishes that it compliments. It really is such a versatile, easy side dish. This pasta salad would taste amazing as a side dish for burgers or brats.
It would be delicious alongside a tasty sandwich or some hearty BBQ. It can stand alone as a full meal when you add some chopped or shredded chicken breast.
How healthy are pasta salads?
Healthy is a subjective term and means different things for different people. It depends on your personal health and fitness goals as well as your own body.
This Greek pasta salad offers many different nutrients for your body. Pasta is a carbohydrate which is an important energy source for your body. The pasta salad has numerous vegetables, which offer your body lots of different vitamins. Creamy feta cheese is full of good fats. Grape tomatoes have lots of Vitamin C!
Other delicious pasta salads
Try these other great pasta salad recipes at Jordo's World:
Easy Greek Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 box chickpea pasta (8 oz)
- 1 small can of kalamata black olive (diced, 64 grams)
- ½ cucumber (diced, 200 grams)
- ½ cup red onion (chopped, 80 grams)
- 1 bell pepper (diced, 200 grams)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes (halved, 200 grams)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled, 112 grams)
- ½ cup greek vinaigrette
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook the pasta until al dente. Once cooked, drain and place under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Pour into a large bowl and set aside.
- Wash and dice all the veggies, including cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, onion, and olives.
- Add the veggies to the bowl with pasta and cheese.
- Add the greek vinaigrette dressing into the bowl and mix well.
- Keep in fridge until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use any kind of pasta! I prefer chickpea for extra protein.
- Instead of using a greek dressing, you could also make your own using olive oil, vinegar, & spices.
- For extra protein, mix in cooked chicken.
Mary T says
SO GOOD! Very quick and easy to throw together and super refreshing with all of the vegetables included. I added chicken like suggested and it’s a perfect lunch!
Sarah says
Kept the olives out but so good!