Easy Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe

If you’re craving a refreshing, crowd-pleasing salad that’s both simple and bursting with flavor, this Easy Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how this pasta salad balances the tangy feta, fragrant basil, crisp cucumbers, and bright tomatoes, all tossed in a zesty dressing that clings to every bite. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a picnic, this recipe has become my go-to, and I’m excited to share all my secrets to help you nail it perfectly every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The fresh and vibrant ingredients in this Easy Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe all work in harmony, creating a salad that’s bright and satisfying without needing a ton of fuss. Here’s a quick rundown of the key players and a few tips to get the best from each one.

• Bow tie pasta (farfalle): This pasta shape is perfect because its little pockets catch the dressing and bits of veggies beautifully; you can also use penne or rotini.
• Cucumbers: I like cutting them thinly with a mandolin for that crisp, refreshing crunch in every forkful.
• Cherry or grape tomatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts nicely with the salty feta; halving them helps release flavors into the salad.
• Kalamata olives: These bring a lovely briny punch that makes the salad taste a bit more Mediterranean and complex.
• Greek feta: Cutting the feta into thick batons ensures you get that creamy crumble without it dissolving into the salad.
• Basil leaves: Fresh basil is a must — its aroma and flavor tie everything together; I tear the leaves by hand for the best texture.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Quality olive oil shines here, giving the dressing richness and silkiness.
• Apple cider vinegar: This adds a gentle acidity that wakes up all the ingredients without overpowering them.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds a slight kick; don’t skip this for sure.
• Dijon mustard: Optional, but it adds a subtle depth to the dressing.
• Honey: Balances the acidity with just a touch of sweetness; you can swap in maple syrup if preferred.
• Italian herbs mix: Brings classic herbal notes that complement the basil.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring all the flavors into focus.

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the season or what I have on hand. This Easy Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.

• Add grilled chicken or shrimp: I often toss in some grilled protein to turn this salad into a complete meal, perfect for dinner.
• Use fresh mint or parsley: If basil isn’t in the house, these herbs bring a fresh brightness that works well too.
• Swap apple cider vinegar for lemon juice: It adds a citrusy zing I sometimes prefer on hot days.
• Include roasted vegetables: Roasted bell peppers or zucchini add a smoky flavor and heartiness, especially in cooler months.
• Make it vegan: Replace feta with a plant-based cheese or omit it entirely and boost flavor with extra olives and herbs.

How to Make Easy Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your bow tie pasta in salted water according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes until al dente. Here’s a little trick I discovered: right after draining, immediately toss the hot pasta in the dressing—this helps the noodles soak up every drop of flavor, so your salad doesn’t end up bland. Don’t rinse the pasta; those starches are your friend!

Step 2: Prep Your Veggies While Pasta Cooks

While the pasta is bubbling away, slice your cucumbers thinly—I love using a mandolin for evenly thin slices that add crunch without overpowering. Halve your cherry tomatoes or chop larger tomatoes into bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop the Kalamata olives and tear the basil by hand to keep its flavor intact. Getting all this ready ahead means the salad comes together so quickly.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a bowl, combine extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, Italian herb mix, salt, and pepper. I like to whisk it vigorously with a fork or small whisk until it’s emulsified and shiny—this helps the flavors meld beautifully. Trust me, a well-made dressing is the magic behind this salad’s irresistible taste.

Step 4: Toss It All Together

Pour the hot pasta right into your bowl of dressing and toss until evenly coated. Then gently fold in the cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and finally the feta and basil. I like to add the feta last because it’s delicate and crumbly—it holds onto the dressing but doesn’t break apart too much. Once everything’s combined, give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can serve this pasta salad warm, straight after tossing, or pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors settle and mingle even more. Both ways are delicious—if you’re like me, sometimes the anticipation after chilling makes it even tastier!

How to Serve Easy Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a few extra torn basil leaves on top right before serving for that fresh pop of green and aroma. Sometimes I add a few lemon zest shavings for a little brightness, or even a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a glossy finish that looks beautiful and tastes amazing.

Side Dishes

My family loves pairing this pasta salad with grilled chicken skewers or crispy roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini. It’s also a great counterpoint to heavier dishes like BBQ ribs or meatballs, making it a versatile side for all kinds of meals.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve this salad in a large glass bowl layered with some fresh basil leaves and a few whole cherry tomatoes on top for color. You could also stuff it inside hollowed-out tomatoes or serve it in individual mason jars for a fun picnic or buffet presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy it within 3-4 days. It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors marry, but if the feta starts to crumble too much, just give it a gentle stir before serving.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this pasta salad because the fresh veggies and feta can get soggy and lose their texture. If you want to prep ahead, just store the dressing separately and toss everything together on the day you plan to serve it.

Reheating

If you want to serve it warm, you can gently warm the pasta portion alone before tossing with the fresh veggies and feta. I usually avoid microwaving the whole salad because it wilts the basil and softens the tomatoes too much.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Pasta Salad with Feta and Basil Recipe has truly become a staple in my kitchen because it’s quick, fresh, and so satisfying. I love recommending it to friends who want something flavorful without hours of prep, and I think you’ll find it’s just as comforting and delicious as I do. Give it a try for your next gathering or casual meal—you might just find your new favorite pasta salad!

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