This Greek Pasta Salad is a colorful, refreshing twist on the classic Greek salad—tossed with bowtie pasta, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, briny olives, and creamy feta, all coated in a zesty homemade dressing.

It’s the perfect make-ahead side dish for potlucks, picnics, or a light lunch.

Vibrant, healthy, and packed with bold Mediterranean flavors, this pasta salad is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less

Bold Greek flavor – Oregano, garlic, olives, and feta bring it to life

Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day

Customizable – Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for a protein boost

Crowd-pleaser – A hit at BBQs, brunches, and summer gatherings

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Pasta – Bowtie, rotini, or fusilli all work well for holding onto the dressing

Cherry tomatoes – Sweet and juicy, perfect for bite-sized freshness

English cucumber – Crisp and seedless, adds crunch

Bell pepper – Use red, yellow, or orange for a pop of color

Red onion – Sharp and vibrant, balances the flavors

Feta cheese – Salty, tangy, and creamy

Kalamata olives – Classic Greek ingredient with a rich, briny taste

Parsley – Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish

Red wine vinegar – The acidic base of the dressing

Garlic and oregano – Infuse the dressing with signature Greek flavor

Extra virgin olive oil – Rich and smooth, it brings the dressing together

Pro Tips Before You Start

Cook pasta just until al dente – It should hold up well in the salad without turning mushy

Cool pasta completely – Rinse with cold water after draining to stop the cooking process

Use good-quality feta – Block feta crumbled by hand has the best flavor

Add olive juice to taste – A splash of brine deepens the overall flavor

Make ahead – Letting the salad chill enhances the flavors

How to Make Greek Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add 8 oz of bowtie pasta (or rotini/fusilli) and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool.

Drain again thoroughly and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Greek Salad Dressing

In a large measuring cup or mason jar, combine:

⅓ cup red wine vinegar

1 tsp dried oregano

3 garlic cloves, grated or finely minced

1 tsp fine sea salt

½ tsp freshly ground black pepper

½ to ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil

Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified. If preparing ahead, shake again before using.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

In a large salad bowl, combine:

2 cups diced English cucumber (½ cucumber)

1½ cups halved cherry tomatoes (10 oz)

1 chopped bell pepper (any color)

⅓ cup chopped red onion (1 small/medium)

1 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 oz)

½ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved or roughly chopped

1 Tbsp juice from the olive jar (optional but recommended)

¼ cup finely chopped parsley

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and feta.

Shake the dressing again if separated, then drizzle over the salad.

Add the olive juice for extra briny flavor.

Toss everything gently to combine, ensuring the pasta is coated and ingredients are well distributed.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.

Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed—add more salt, pepper, or a splash of vinegar if desired.

Serve chilled and enjoy.

What to Serve With Greek Pasta Salad

Grilled chicken or salmon – For a heartier main course

Falafel or hummus – For a vegetarian Mediterranean plate

Lamb skewers or gyros – A perfect pairing with the bold Greek flavors

Pita bread and tzatziki – Rounds out a Greek-inspired picnic spread

Iced mint tea or lemonade – Refreshing drink options for warm days

Variations and Substitutions

Use pearl couscous or orzo – For a different texture

Swap feta for goat cheese – A milder, creamy option

Add chickpeas – Boosts protein and makes it more filling

Mix in spinach or arugula – For extra greens

Make it spicy – Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing

Storage Tips

Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Best served fresh – After 24 hours, the pasta may soak up more dressing, so refresh with a drizzle of olive oil

Don’t freeze – Freezing will ruin the texture of the vegetables and cheese

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! This salad actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.

Can I use bottled Greek dressing?
You can, but homemade dressing has better flavor and fewer additives.

Is this gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free pasta. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I serve this warm?
It’s best served cold or at room temperature, but you can enjoy it warm if you prefer.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta like bowtie, rotini, or fusilli holds the dressing and mixes well with the veggies.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This salad scales well for larger gatherings.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Pasta Salad is the definition of a fresh, crowd-pleasing side dish.

Packed with crunchy vegetables, creamy feta, and zesty dressing, it’s the kind of recipe that belongs at every potluck, picnic, or backyard BBQ.

Easy to customize and ready in under 30 minutes, this salad will become your go-to for warm weather entertaining—or a quick, wholesome lunch anytime.