Crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, salty olives, and creamy feta bring bold Mediterranean flavor to this Greek Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives. Tender pasta soaks up a bright lemon dressing, creating a chilled salad that tastes fresh and satisfying. This dish fits perfectly at cookouts, potlucks, or simple weeknight dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors
- Perfect make-ahead side dish
- Simple pantry ingredients
- Great for gatherings
- Easy to customize
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour (recommended)
Ingredients
- 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Swaps:
Use bowtie pasta instead of rotini. Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch. Stir in grilled chicken for a heartier version.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Transfer cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta.
- In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Sprinkle parsley on top and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving your Greek Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Greek Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives chilled. Pair it with grilled chicken, lamb skewers, or warm pita bread. Garnish with extra feta and a squeeze of lemon before serving.
Quick Tips or Variations
- Add chickpeas for extra protein.
- Toss in baby spinach for more greens.
- Finish with a drizzle of extra olive oil before serving.
FAQs
How long does Greek Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives last?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I make Greek Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare it a day in advance for deeper flavor.
What type of olives work best?
Kalamata olives provide the best briny flavor, but black olives also work.
Should I rinse the pasta?
Yes. Rinse under cold water to cool it quickly and stop cooking.
Greek Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives brings bright, bold flavor to any table. It tastes fresh, colorful, and satisfying. Make a big bowl and enjoy a crowd-pleasing side dish that keeps well for days.
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Greek Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Greek Pasta Salad with Feta and Olives is a fresh Mediterranean side dish made with tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and tangy lemon dressing.
Ingredients
12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, sliced
1/2 cup Kalamata olives
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons parsley
Instructions
1. Cook pasta until al dente and rinse under cold water.
2. Combine pasta with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta.
3. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently.
5. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Store up to 4 days refrigerated.
Add grilled chicken for extra protein.
Stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg





