Can I make this Greek pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this salad often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance, though I recommend adding the feta just before serving for the best texture. If making far ahead, reserve some dressing to refresh the salad just before serving.

What can I substitute for kalamata olives?

While kalamata olives provide that distinctive Greek flavor, you can substitute black olives if needed. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the salad will still be delicious. For those who don't enjoy olives, try adding extra feta or some capers to maintain that briny element that makes Greek salads so special.

Is this pasta salad good for meal prep?

This is meal prep perfection! The flavors actually improve over time, and it stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Portion it into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. You might want to add a small drizzle of olive oil when you're ready to eat to freshen it up.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! While rotini is perfect for catching dressing in its spirals, any medium-sized pasta shape works well. Try farfalle (bow ties), penne, or fusilli. Just avoid tiny pastas like orzo (unless you're going for a different texture altogether) or long strands like spaghetti, which make the salad difficult to eat.

Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

Name: Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 16 ounces rotini pasta; 1 medium English cucumber, diced; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup whole kalamata olives; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

This vibrant Greek Pasta Salad is a Mediterranean masterpiece that combines al dente rotini pasta with crisp vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for potlucks, picnics, or a refreshing weeknight meal that tastes even better the next day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Refreshing: From start to finish in just 15 minutes, this pasta salad is the ultimate time-saver for busy days while still delivering big Mediterranean flavors.
Crowd-Pleaser: The perfect balance of tangy, salty, and fresh flavors makes this a hit at any gathering – I’ve never brought home leftovers!
Versatile: Works beautifully as a main dish, side dish, or meal prep option that actually improves with time in the refrigerator.
No Cooking Skills Required: If you can boil pasta and chop vegetables, you can make this impressive dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Greek restaurant.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Rotini Pasta: The spiral shape catches all that delicious dressing in its twists and turns. Every bite delivers maximum flavor!
English Cucumber: Provides a refreshing crunch without the excessive seeds or bitterness of regular cucumbers.
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes: These little flavor bombs add sweetness, color, and a juicy pop in every bite.
Red Onion: Brings a pleasant sharpness that balances the other ingredients. Slice it thin to avoid overwhelming the salad.
Kalamata Olives: These rich, deep purple olives are non-negotiable for authentic Greek flavor. Their distinctive tanginess can’t be matched by black olives.
Feta Cheese: The crown jewel of Greek cuisine, adding a creamy, salty, tangy element that ties everything together.
Olive Oil: Use the best extra virgin olive oil you can afford – it’s the foundation of the dressing and you’ll taste the difference.
Lemon Juice: Fresh is best! It brightens the entire dish with its citrusy acidity.
Red Wine Vinegar: Provides that characteristic Greek tang that makes the dressing sing.
Dried Oregano: The essential herb for Mediterranean flavor. When crushed between your fingers before adding, it releases more aromatic oils.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
Garlic Powder: Offers mellow garlic flavor throughout the dressing without the sharpness of fresh garlic.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Make It Heartier

Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for extra protein and to transform this into a complete meal.

Veggie Boost

Try adding roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or pepperoncini for even more Mediterranean flair.

Herb Garden Version

Mix in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or mint for an aromatic twist that elevates the fresh factor.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta – corn or rice-based varieties hold up particularly well in cold salads.

How to Make Greek Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook rotini according to package directions, but aim for al dente pasta – slightly firm when bitten. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down quickly.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. This efficient timing means your salad comes together in minutes!

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until well combined. The dressing should look emulsified and slightly thickened.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooled pasta with all the prepared vegetables, olives, and crumbled feta. Pour the dressing over everything and toss thoroughly, making sure every piece gets coated in that flavorful dressing.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Cook Pasta Properly: Slightly undercook the pasta (true al dente) since it will continue to absorb dressing as it sits.
Chill Before Serving: While you can serve this immediately, letting it chill for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Reserve Some Dressing: Set aside a few tablespoons of dressing to refresh the salad just before serving, especially if it’s been refrigerated overnight.
Ingredient Prep: Cut vegetables to a similar size as the pasta for the perfect bite every time.
Feta Finishing Touch: Add half the feta while tossing, then sprinkle the remaining on top for presentation and to prevent it from breaking down too much.

How to Serve

As a Main Dish

Serve in a large bowl with a side of warm pita bread or garlic bread for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Perfect Pairings

This salad shines alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish. The cool, tangy flavors complement smoky grilled meats perfectly.

Entertaining Spread

Make this the star of your Mediterranean mezze platter alongside hummus, tzatziki, stuffed grape leaves, and olives.

Potluck Star

Transport in a sealed container with a bit of extra dressing on the side to freshen it up just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day of marinating together!

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare all components up to 2 days ahead: cook and chill the pasta, chop vegetables, and mix the dressing separately. Combine everything up to 24 hours before serving for best results.

Refreshing Leftovers

If the pasta salad seems dry after storage, drizzle with a little olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice, then toss gently to revive the flavors and texture.

FAQs

Can I make this Greek pasta salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, this salad often tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator. You can make it up to 24 hours in advance, though I recommend adding the feta just before serving for the best texture. If making far ahead, reserve some dressing to refresh the salad just before serving.
What can I substitute for kalamata olives?

While kalamata olives provide that distinctive Greek flavor, you can substitute black olives if needed. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the salad will still be delicious. For those who don’t enjoy olives, try adding extra feta or some capers to maintain that briny element that makes Greek salads so special.
Is this pasta salad good for meal prep?

This is meal prep perfection! The flavors actually improve over time, and it stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Portion it into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. You might want to add a small drizzle of olive oil when you’re ready to eat to freshen it up.
Can I use a different type of pasta?

Definitely! While rotini is perfect for catching dressing in its spirals, any medium-sized pasta shape works well. Try farfalle (bow ties), penne, or fusilli. Just avoid tiny pastas like orzo (unless you’re going for a different texture altogether) or long strands like spaghetti, which make the salad difficult to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Pasta Salad recipe transforms simple ingredients into something truly special – a vibrant, flavor-packed dish that comes together in minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re rushing to prepare a weeknight dinner or need a reliable crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, this Mediterranean-inspired salad delivers every time. The combination of cool, crisp vegetables, tangy dressing, and satisfying pasta creates a perfect harmony that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe!