Greek Pasta Salad with Feta: The Ultimate Mediterranean Summer Recipe
Greek Pasta Salad with Feta is the ultimate Mediterranean summer recipe. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the dressing to balance tangy feta and crisp veggies. The result? A fresh, satisfying salad that’s better than takeout. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Shoestring Corn Salad and Marinated Cauliflower Salad.
Why This Greek Pasta Salad with Feta: The Ultimate Mediterranean Summer Recipe Is Pure Comfort
- Crisp veggies for a satisfying crunch
- Tangy feta for a flavorful kick
- Easy to make and perfect for cookouts
- Better than takeout and customizable
What You'll Need for Greek Pasta Salad with Feta: The Ultimate Mediterranean Summer Recipe
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 1 lb (450g) pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 1 cucumber
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup (115g) crumbled feta
- 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15ml) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5ml) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) black pepper
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Sliced Kalamata olives
- Optional: Crumbled pepperoni or salami
📝 Ingredient Notes
- pasta: Any shape works, but rotini or penne hold dressing well.
- feta: Use less if you prefer a milder flavor.
🛒 Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Good quality olive oil — Enhances the dressing's flavor → See on Amazon
- Sharp kitchen knife — Makes prep work faster and safer → See on Amazon
How to Make Greek Pasta Salad with Feta: The Ultimate Mediterranean Summer Recipe
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare veggies: Dice cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Halve cherry tomatoes.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, veggies, feta, and dressing. Toss to coat.
- Chill and serve: Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with optional toppings as desired.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Greek Pasta Salad with Feta: The Ultimate Mediterranean Summer Recipe
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook pasta. It should be al dente to maintain texture.
- Tip: For a less watery salad, don't add dressing until ready to serve. Toss gently to combine.
- Tip: Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Dressing may need to be refreshed.
- Tip: Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
Storing & Reheating Greek Pasta Salad with Feta: The Ultimate Mediterranean Summer Recipe
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days Make-ahead tip: Yes, make up to 1 day ahead
Freezing Greek Pasta Salad with Feta: The Ultimate Mediterranean Summer Recipe
Not recommended
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not applicable Microwave: Not recommended
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a less watery salad, don't add dressing until ready to serve.
- Best substitution: Use crumbled goat cheese instead of feta for a milder flavor.
- Make-ahead: Make up to 1 day ahead. Dressing may need to be refreshed.
- Scaling: Easily doubles or triples for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If salad is watery, don't add dressing until ready to serve. Toss gently to combine.
Want to level up this recipe?
High-quality pasta — Holds dressing better and has a nicer bite → Check price on Amazon
Greek Pasta Salad with Feta: The Ultimate Mediterranean Summer Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) pasta (like rotini or penne)
- 1 cucumber
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 small red onion
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup (115g) crumbled feta
Seasonings
- 1/2 cup (120ml) red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil
- 1 tbsp (15ml) dried oregano
- 1 tsp (5ml) garlic powder
- 1 tsp (5ml) salt
- 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sliced Kalamata olives
- Crumbled pepperoni or salami
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare veggies: Dice cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Halve cherry tomatoes.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together vinegar, olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, veggies, feta, and dressing. Toss to coat.
- Chill and serve: Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. Top with optional toppings as desired.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a less watery salad, don't add dressing until ready to serve.
- Best substitution: Use crumbled goat cheese instead of feta for a milder flavor.
- Make-ahead: Make up to 1 day ahead. Dressing may need to be refreshed.
- Scaling: Easily doubles or triples for a crowd.
- Troubleshooting: If salad is watery, don't add dressing until ready to serve. Toss gently to combine.
Storage
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Freezer: Not recommended
- Oven reheat: Not applicable
- Microwave reheat: Not recommended
- Make ahead: Yes, make up to 1 day ahead
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 17g
- Carbs: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sat. Fat: 5g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Greek Pasta Salad with Feta: The Ultimate Mediterranean Summer Recipe FAQs
Yes, make up to 1 day ahead. Dressing may need to be refreshed.
Don't add dressing until ready to serve. Toss gently to combine.
Not recommended. Pasta and veggies don't freeze well.
Not applicable. This is a cold salad.
Crumbled goat cheese for a milder flavor.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Greek Pasta Salad with Feta: The Ultimate Mediterranean Summer Recipe and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
