Fresh vegetables, briny olives, creamy feta, and tender pasta all tossed in a bright herb dressing Greek Pasta Salad is one of those dishes that feels both light and satisfying at the same time. It comes together quickly, travels well, and tastes even better after it sits for a bit.
With just 18 minutes from start to finish, this recipe fits into busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 8
Equipment:
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Garlic press
Why This Greek Pasta Salad Works So Well
Greek flavors are known for their balance bright citrus, bold herbs, good olive oil, and salty cheese. This pasta salad brings all of that together in a simple, approachable way.
Bowtie pasta holds onto the dressing nicely. Grape tomatoes add juicy sweetness. Crisp cucumber and bell pepper bring texture. Red onion offers a sharp bite. Kalamata olives add depth and saltiness. Feta cheese gives creaminess, and fresh parsley finishes it off with freshness.
The dressing is what ties everything together. Olive oil and red wine vinegar form the base, while lemon juice and honey create balance. Dijon mustard and garlic add subtle punch. A blend of dried oregano, dill, and mint gives it that unmistakable Mediterranean character.
Every forkful feels layered and vibrant.
Ingredients
Salad
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 1/2 cups grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 seedless cucumber, sliced into half-circles or quarters
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 small red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, drained
- 2/3 cup feta cheese, crumbed or cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried mint
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and rinse with cold water to cool it down.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta cooks, slice the grape tomatoes in half. Cut the cucumber into half-circles or quarters. Dice the bell pepper and red onion. Add all the prepared vegetables to a large mixing bowl along with the drained Kalamata olives.
3. Make the Dressing
In a jar with a lid, combine the olive oil, water, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, honey, dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried dill, dried mint, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
Secure the lid and shake well until the dressing is fully blended.
4. Assemble the Salad
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Stir in the feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Helpful Tips
Salt your pasta water generously. This is the first layer of seasoning and makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Cook the pasta just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can become soft once mixed with dressing and vegetables.
If preparing ahead of time, give the salad a quick toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
Serving Ideas
Greek Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, lamb, seafood, or simple roasted vegetables. It also works well as a standalone lunch.
Because it serves eight, it’s ideal for gatherings, picnics, and family meals.
Greek Pasta Salad brings together crisp vegetables, creamy feta, and a herb-packed dressing in one easy bowl. It’s colorful, balanced, and simple the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Greek Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions for al dente pasta. Drain well and rinse with cold water.
- While the pasta cooks, chop the vegetables and add them to a large bowl.
- Combine all of the dressing ingredients in a jar with a lid and shake well.
- Add the rinsed and drained pasta to the bowl with the vegetables, olives, feta cheese, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing to coat everything evenly.