Greek Pasta Salad Mediterranean (Printable)

Vibrant Mediterranean pasta with crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and zesty dressing

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
05 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
06 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

→ Cheese

07 - 5 oz feta cheese, cubed or crumbled

→ Dressing

08 - 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
10 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Herbs & Garnish

13 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional)

# How to Make:

01 - Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
02 - In a large salad bowl, combine diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, and Kalamata olives.
03 - Add cooled pasta to the bowl with the prepared vegetables. Toss gently to distribute evenly.
04 - In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
05 - Pour dressing over pasta and vegetables. Toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly.
06 - Gently fold in feta cheese and fresh herbs (if using) to maintain cheese integrity.
07 - Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

# Helpful Tips:

01 -
  • The dressing gets better as it sits, so leftovers taste even more vibrant the next day
  • Everything comes together in under 30 minutes with zero cooking except the pasta
  • Fresh vegetables and tangy feta make every bite feel like a mini Mediterranean vacation
02 -
  • Rinsing the pasta under cold water is non-negotiable or it will continue cooking and become gummy
  • Wait until just before serving to add the feta if you prefer it stays firm rather than slightly creamy
  • The salad needs at least 15 minutes of chilling time for the dressing to properly season everything
03 -
  • Cut all vegetables into similar sized pieces so you get a little bit of everything in each bite
  • Make the dressing a day ahead and store it in a jar so the flavors really deepen
  • If the pasta seems dry after chilling, splash in a little more olive oil and vinegar before serving

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