Greek Pasta Salad (Creamy Feta Dressing)

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You'll be making this Greek Pasta Salad on repeat once you taste it! The best part is the creamy feta dressing bringing the veggies and the classic Greek flavors together.

Close up of Greek Pasta Salad to show textures of veggies and pasta

Everyone loves a good pasta salad, especially at BBQs, picnics and gatherings in the hot summer months, but this isn't your regular pasta salad…rather than using mayo which can make a pasta salad heavy, I've made a healthy and delicious feta cheese dressing thats tangy and creamy and takes this salad to another level!

This Greek Pasta Salad is made with all the classic Greek salad ingredients - crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion and of course Kalamata olives and feta cheese two ways. I've also used jarred marinated peppers rather than fresh bell peppers which adds so much extra flavor! For some extra protein, I've added chickpeas but you can totally add grilled chicken or even serve alongside air fryer salmon or shrimp.

Table of Contents

Recipe Highlights
Ingredients and Substitutions
How to make a Greek Pasta Salad
Tips and Tricks
Storage Instructions
Serving Suggestions
FAQs
More Greek Recipes
More Pasta Salads
Recipe
Comments

Recipe Highlights

Quick & Easy: Simple ingredients with minimal cooking, ready in 20 minutes
Delicious & Fresh: Fresh veggies, herbs, olives and feta bring plenty of flavor
Versatile: Enjoy as an easy side dish, great for a pot luck, or full meal with your favorite protein

Ingredients and Substitutions

Pasta, you can use any pasta shape really, but I prefer short pasta than noodles to soak up the dressing in all its curves so I’ve used casarecce. I also love farfalle, penne or rotini
Cucumber adds a refreshing crunch and helps keep the salad light. I love using Persian or Lebanese cucumbers because they have great flavor and less excess water. English cucumbers also work well, but I recommend removing the seeds first
Grape or cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and a pop of color
Red onion adds a sharp bite with a hint of sweetness. I like to soak chopped onion in water first to mellow its flavor
Marinated roasted peppers add a smoky, sweet flavor that you don’t get from fresh red bell peppers. Sun-dried tomatoes make a good swap if you don’t have roasted peppers on hand
Kalamata olives are a classic Greek salad ingredient and add a salty flavor in their brine that brings everything together
Chickpeas are optional but I've added them as a source of protein that makes the salad more filling. You can also use navy or cannellini beans
Feta cheese is crumbled over the finished salad for a creamy, salty topping
Parsley adds a fresh, herby touch and brightens up the flavors. Fresh dill is a good substitute

Creamy Feta Salad Dressing

Feta cheese is the base of the creamy salty dressing. The briny feta gives it loads of flavor and a smooth texture. I recommend using a block of Greek feta rather than pre-crumbled or marinated feta. Vegan feta could work as a substitute, although I haven’t tested it myself
Extra virgin olive oil gives the dressing its rich aroma and flavor. Since its an important part of the dressing, use a good quality olive oil
Red wine vinegar adds the classic tang you expect from a Greek style dressing. Its acidity balances the salty feta nicely. Fresh lemon juice is a good swap
Dijon mustard adds a subtle depth of flavor while helping the dressing emulsify, keeping the ingredients nicely combined rather than separating
Dried oregano brings that classic Greek flavor. You can also add a little minced garlic or garlic powder, but I prefer it without it

How to make a Greek Pasta Salad

This Greek pasta salad comes together in no time for a fresh, flavorful salad that you'll make again and again. Follow my simple steps below (note quantities are listed in the recipe card below)

Pasta being boiled in a pot of salted water

Step 1: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving some pasta water and let cool slightly

Veggies prepared on a cutting board and onions diced and soaked in water

Step 2: Meanwhile, prep the veggies. Halve or quarter the tomatoes, slice the cucumber into half moons, finely chop the parsley and red onion, halve the olives, and cut the peppers into thin strips (optional - soak the onion in water for 10 minutes to mellow its flavor)

Cooked pasta added to large salad bowl with olive oil and parsely

Step 3: Once the pasta is slightly warm, add it to a large salad bowl with the parsley, 2 tablespoons olive oil and a few spoons of pasta water. Stir to prevent the pasta from sticking

Feta dressing ingredients added to a cup, about to be blended

Step 4: Add the dressing ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy

Feta dressing and chickpeas added to pasta in a large bowl

Step 5: Once the pasta has cooled, add the chickpeas and dressing, then stir well until evenly coated

Veggies added to pasta salad bowl then tossed

Step 6: Add the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, peppers and most of the olives. Toss until well combined. Garnish with the remaining olives and crumble feta cheese over the top and its ready to serve!

Tips and Tricks

Don't over cook the pasta and or it will become soft and mushy, stick to the package directions and drain once al dente
Save some pasta water. Small pasta shapes can stick together easily, so adding a splash of reserved cooking water helps loosen everything and keeps it easy to mix
If making in advance, store the dressed pasta and mix-ins separately and combine before serving to keep them crunchy
Don’t skip the dijon mustard. It helps the dressing come together smoothly by emulsifying the ingredients and preventing it from splitting
Make it a complete meal and add extra protein. I've added chickpeas but you can add cannellini beans, tofu, grilled chicken or shrimp

Storage Instructions

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Leave at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving
If making extra for meal prep, add the fresh veggies on the day you're eating it to keep them extra crisp
Freezing is not recommended

Fork and spoon in a large bowl of Greek Pasta Salad

Serving Suggestions

This Greek pasta salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics and potlucks as a refreshing side dish. It pairs well alongside grilled chicken, baked salmon, cauliflower steaks or roasted vegetables.

For a Greek inspired menu, serve it with warm flatbread, tirokafteri (spicy feta dip) and these halloumi bites.

FAQs

Should Greek pasta salad be served warm or cold?

Greek pasta salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. If serving straight from the fridge, for the best flavor and texture, I recommend leaving it out for about 10 minutes before serving so the dressing softens slightly

What makes Greek pasta salad different from regular pasta salad?

This salad is inspired by the flavors of a traditional Greek salad, using ingredients like cucumber, tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, feta cheese and oregano. The fresh veggies, salty olives and feta dressing gives this salad its signature flavor

What are the tricks to good pasta salad?

Don't over cook the pasta and add the dressing while it's still warm to soak it up. The pasta shape also makes a big difference so choose one with curves and crevices, also choose a variety of mix-ins to keep it inviting