Sunshine on a Plate Easy Greek Pasta Salad

By Zelia ThorneSeptember 30, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever find yourself craving a taste of the Mediterranean? This Easy Greek Pasta Salad brings sunshine to your bowl. Honestly, it's so simple and delicious, you'll wonder why you didn't make it sooner! The key flavor is freshness and a zesty lemon herb dressing that dances on your tongue.

Brief Overview

This Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Feta pays homage to the classic Greek salad. It is a simple dish to create, clocking in at around 25 minutes.

This recipe yields about 6 servings, perfect for sharing or meal prepping!

Main Benefits

A big plus? This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is packed with fresh veggies. The Pasta Salad With Vegetables And Feta is a nutritional powerhouse! It’s ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a light and refreshing Easy Feta Pasta Dinner .

What sets this apart is the vibrant blend of flavors and textures.

Okay, so I've made this recipe a zillion times. One time I was rushing. I totally forgot the red wine vinegar! The salad was still good, but it lacked that certain zing .

So don't forget the vinegar, yeah? Now, let's gather those ingredients!

All The Fresh Goodness You'll Need

One pound of your preferred pasta for this Greek Pasta Salad
One English cucumber
One red bell pepper
One pint of cherry tomatoes
Half a red onion
One cup of Kalamata olives
Four ounces of feta cheese
One-quarter cup each of fresh parsley and fresh oregano
A quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil
Three tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
One tablespoon of red wine vinegar
A clove of garlic
One teaspoon of Dijon mustard
Half a teaspoon of dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Serving Suggestions

This is a great recipe and one of the best Summer Pasta Salad Recipes , especially paired with grilled chicken skewers.

You can even add a dollop of tzatziki sauce. And let's not forget a chilled glass of white wine. Ooh, la la.

What about Cold Pasta Salad Ideas ? Absolutely! This tastes even better after chilling.

Last Thoughts

This Feta and Olive Pasta Salad is more than just a meal. It's a taste of sunshine! So go on, give it a whirl.

I reckon you'll love this Quick Greek Salad Pasta .

Ingredients & Equipment: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, let's talk ingredients for our amazing Easy Greek Pasta Salad. This isn't rocket science, promise! I've tweaked this Greek Pasta Salad Recipe over time.

You know, just messing about in the kitchen until it was chef's kiss .

Main Ingredients: Quality Counts!

1 pound (450g) Penne pasta: Any short pasta works!
1 English cucumber, diced: Look for firm cucumbers.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Bright color is a good sign.
1 pint (approx. 2 cups/500g) cherry tomatoes, halved: The sweeter, the better.
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a bit of zing.
1 cup (150g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Salty goodness!
4 ounces (115g) Feta cheese, crumbled: Go for a decent quality feta. A good Pasta Salad Feta Cheese makes all the difference.
1/4 cup (15g) Fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbs are key.
1/4 cup (15g) Fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried): Adds that Greek flavour.

Did you know feta is traditionally made from sheep's milk? It gives it that tangy flavour! Honestly, this Pasta Salad With Vegetables And Feta recipe is so simple.

Seasoning Notes: The Magic Touch

Lemon juice, oregano, garlic: A classic combo! This Lemon Herb Pasta Salad Recipe sings.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness. Don't be tempted to skimp.
Dijon mustard: A little tang! You can use some other mustard too!.
Red wine vinegar: Just a splash!
Salt and pepper: Season to taste.

Quick sub? Dried oregano for fresh, no worries! This Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Feta is very flexible.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Large pot: For cooking the pasta.
Colander: For draining the pasta.
Large mixing bowl: To toss everything together.
Small mixing bowl: For the dressing.
Whisk: To emulsify the dressing.
Cutting board and Chef's knife: Obviously!

No whisk? A fork works in a pinch! Seriously, this Easy Feta Pasta Dinner is all about ease. Perfect for those Summer Pasta Salad Recipes , or even when you need some Cold Pasta Salad Ideas .

This Quick Greek Salad Pasta is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. Ever since I first discovered this recipe, it's been on repeat in my kitchen.

Ready to try this Feta and Olive Pasta Salad ? Get those ingredients ready!

Cooking Method: Nailing Your Easy Greek Pasta Salad

Honestly, making Easy Greek Pasta Salad is a breeze! It's one of those Summer Pasta Salad Recipes that's always a crowd pleaser.

I've made this a million times, and it's always a hit! It's a total blank canvas, feel free to put your own spin on it!.

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place : Dice the cucumber and bell pepper. Halve the cherry tomatoes and olives. Thinly slice the red onion. Crumble the feta. Chop the parsley and oregano.
Time saving organization tips : Do all your chopping while the pasta cooks. This seriously cuts down on prep time.
Safety reminders : Watch that knife! I swear, I've nearly taken a finger off more times than I care to admit.

step-by-step Process: From Zero to Hero

Cook 1 pound of penne pasta until al dente.
Drain it, and rinse with cold water until it's cool. This is super important! . You don't want soggy pasta.
Whisk together dressing ingredients in a small bowl: 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper .
In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all those lovely veggies.
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad, and toss it all together.
Gently fold in 4 ounces of crumbled feta cheese , being careful not to squish it too much.
(Optional) Chill for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours meld.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Salad Game

Don't skip the herbs! : Fresh parsley and oregano make a huge difference! If you have Lemon Herb Pasta Salad Recipe, make sure to use that
Common mistake to avoid : Overdressing the salad! Start with less dressing, and add more to taste.
Make the dressing a day ahead!. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day. I find that this Easy Feta Pasta Dinner really makes me think about those nice summer days!

There you have it the Pasta Salad With Vegetables And Feta of your dreams. This Greek Pasta Salad Recipe is perfect for a quick lunch.

Or, take it to a barbecue! It's so easy, even I can't mess it up, and that's saying something. If you are looking for Cold Pasta Salad Ideas , this is it, try my Quick Greek Salad Pasta !.

You can't go wrong with this Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Feta . Add some Feta and Olive Pasta Salad for extra flavort!

Alright, let's dive into some extra tidbits for this Sunshine on a Plate: Easy Greek Pasta Salad! It is an Easy Greek Pasta Salad that will become your go-to for summer gatherings.

Recipe Deep look into: More Than Just a Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Let's chat about making this salad your own. Honestly, recipes are just guidelines, you know? Feel free to experiment.

Serving It Up Right

Plating and presentation ideas: Think sunshine! Use a bright, colourful bowl. Garnish with extra feta and fresh herbs. Boom.

Complementary sides or beverages: This salad is amazing with grilled chicken. A crisp glass of white wine is the perfect match. Honestly, a bit of crusty bread doesn't hurt either.

Storage Savvy

Refrigeration guidelines: This Cold Pasta Salad Ideas will keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Store it in an airtight container.

Freezing options (if applicable): I wouldn't recommend freezing it. The veggies will get sad and mushy. Nobody wants mushy veggies!

Reheating instructions: Just take it straight from the fridge! This Easy Feta Pasta Dinner is best served cold or at room temperature.

Shake Things Up: Variations Galore

1-2 dietary adaptations: Need a gluten-free option? Use gluten-free pasta or quinoa. Boom. Vegetarian? You are already covered. Add some extra vegetables to this Pasta Salad With Vegetables And Feta.

Seasonal ingredient swaps: In the fall, roasted butternut squash would be amazing. In the spring, asparagus would be a delightful addition.

Nutrition Basics

Simplified nutrition information: This Summer Pasta Salad Recipes is packed with nutrients! Think healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Mediterranean Pasta Salad With Feta is great.

Key health benefits: It's a good source of vitamins and antioxidants. Plus, it's super satisfying.

I learned a trick of a Lemon Herb Pasta Salad Recipe . It's as simple as adding more Lemon and Herbs!

So there you have it! All the extra bits and bobs to make this Feta and Olive Pasta Salad your own.

Don't be afraid to experiment. Now go forth and create an amazing Quick Greek Salad Pasta ! You got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Easy Greek Pasta Salad ahead of time? I'm planning a picnic, you see!

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time is encouraged. The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits in the fridge. Just be aware that the pasta might absorb some of the dressing, so you might want to add a little extra just before serving to keep it nice and vibrant.

Nobody wants a dry pasta salad at a picnic that's a culinary crime worthy of being sent to the Tower!

What's the best way to store leftover Easy Greek Pasta Salad? I always make too much!

Store any leftover Easy Greek Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. Just be mindful that the vegetables might soften slightly over time, but the flavor will still be fantastic.

It's still perfectly safe and delicious, just not quite as 'just made' as the first day. Think of it as a tasty packed lunch option for the next few days!

I'm not a huge fan of feta cheese. What else can I use in this Easy Greek Pasta Salad?

No worries, we can totally swap the feta! If you're not a fan, try using goat cheese for a similar tanginess, or even some fresh mozzarella pearls for a creamier texture. Halloumi, very lightly grilled, could also add a delicious salty bite.

It’s your pasta salad, so tailor it to your own taste think of it as your own personal 'Bake Off' challenge!

Can I add protein to this Easy Greek Pasta Salad to make it a more substantial meal?

Definitely! Adding protein is a great way to turn this salad into a full meal. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas are all excellent choices. You could even add some canned tuna or salmon for a quick and easy protein boost. It's all about bulking it up from a side to a main - very Mary Berry of you!

The dressing seems a bit too tangy for my liking. How can I mellow it out?

Aha, the balance is key! If you find the dressing too tangy, try adding a touch more olive oil or a tiny bit of honey or maple syrup to sweeten it slightly. You could also add a pinch of sugar. Taste as you go and adjust until it suits your palate.

Remember, even the best chefs adjust their recipes, so don't be afraid to experiment you're practically Gordon Ramsay now!