Greek Pasta Salad Mediterranean (Printable Version)

Vibrant Mediterranean-style pasta salad with crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and zesty dressing

# What You Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

→ Cheese

07 - 5 oz feta cheese, cubed or crumbled

→ Dressing

08 - 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
10 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Herbs & Garnish

13 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

# How-To:

01 - Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool; set aside.
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine the cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and olives.
03 - Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables.
04 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
05 - Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss thoroughly to combine.
06 - Gently fold in the feta cheese and fresh herbs, if using.
07 - Chill in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor. Serve cold or at room temperature.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or make-ahead parties
  • The dressing doubles as a marinade, infusing every ingredient with bright Mediterranean flavors
02 -
  • Overcooked pasta will turn to mush in this salad, so pull it a minute early rather than a minute late
  • Salt your pasta water generously since the pasta itself needs seasoning, not just the dressing
03 -
  • Spin-dry your vegetables after chopping to prevent watery dressing later
  • Let the salad sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving if it has been refrigerated all day

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