. To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a good pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of rotini or fusilli pasta. Cook it for the time on the package until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the rest. While the pasta cooks, it’s time to chop the veggies. Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Next, dice 1 cucumber and finely chop 1/2 of a red onion. Then, chop 1 bell pepper, either red or yellow will do. Finally, chop 1/4 cup of fresh parsley. Toss all these chopped veggies in a large mixing bowl. They add color and crunch to your salad. Now, it’s time to mix things up. Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the veggies. Toss in 1 cup of pitted and halved Kalamata olives. These olives give a nice briny flavor. Mix everything well so that the pasta and veggies are evenly combined. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Add salt and pepper to taste. This dressing brings all the flavors together. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and veggies. Next, add 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese for that creamy touch. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated in the dressing. This step is key for flavor. Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld nicely. When ready to serve, you can enjoy it cold or at room temperature. For a pretty presentation, serve it in a large bowl or on individual plates. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! To make your Greek pasta salad pop, consider adjusting the seasoning. You might want to add more salt or pepper based on your taste. Fresh herbs can also boost the flavor. Basil or mint can make a big difference. Chilling the salad is important too. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time helps all the flavors blend beautifully. Garnishing makes your salad look great. Try adding extra feta cheese on top. Fresh parsley adds a bright touch too. Use colorful serving bowls for more visual appeal. When serving at gatherings, individual plates can impress your guests. Layer the salad in a clear bowl for a beautiful view of all the colors. Want to add protein? Grilled chicken or shrimp work well in this salad. They complement the flavors nicely. For dietary needs, you can swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. This way, everyone can enjoy the dish. Feel free to mix in your favorite veggies or nuts for extra crunch. You can find the full recipe [here](#). {{image_2}} You can make your Greek pasta salad even better by adding artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients bring a burst of flavor. They add a nice touch of tanginess that pairs well with feta. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or mint. These herbs give the salad a bright and fresh taste. Try adding a handful of chopped mint for a refreshing twist. Seasonal veggies can change the way your salad tastes. In spring or summer, add sweet peas or bell peppers for crunch. You can also throw in some zucchini or asparagus for a fun texture. Change your ingredients based on what is fresh and in season. This keeps your salad exciting and flavorful. If you're looking for new flavors, try different dressings. A simple lemon vinaigrette can brighten up the dish. Just mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for a zesty kick. For a creamy option, consider using Greek yogurt or tahini. This adds a rich taste and pairs well with the pasta. For the full recipe, you can check out the details above. To keep your Greek pasta salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps to keep out air and moisture. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. After that, the flavors may fade, and the veggies might get soggy. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating leftovers. You can freeze Greek pasta salad, but it may change texture. The veggies can become mushy when thawed. If you still want to freeze it, follow these tips: - Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure it seals well to avoid freezer burn. - Freeze without dressing. Add the dressing after you thaw the salad. This keeps the pasta and veggies fresh. - Thaw in the fridge. Let it sit overnight before serving. This gives it time to defrost slowly. If you can't use feta cheese, try these options: - Goat cheese: It has a similar tangy taste. - Ricotta cheese: This gives a softer texture. - Vegan feta: Made from nuts or tofu for dairy-free needs. - Cottage cheese: A lighter option, though a bit different in flavor. - Nutritional yeast: For a vegan cheese-like flavor without dairy. These swaps work well in Greek pasta salad. Choose based on your taste or dietary needs. Greek pasta salad can sit out for about two hours. - Hot weather: Reduce this time to one hour. - Cooler conditions: It can last longer. After the safe time, it’s best to store leftovers in the fridge. Always keep food safety in mind. Yes, you can make Greek pasta salad ahead of time. - Prep time: You can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. - Storage: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend better. Just toss in the feta cheese right before serving for the best taste. The original recipe is not vegan due to feta cheese. To make it vegan, use these tips: - Substitute feta: Use vegan feta or omit cheese. - Check pasta: Ensure it’s made without egg. This way, you still enjoy a tasty Greek pasta salad that fits your diet. This blog post covered a tasty Greek pasta salad, including its fresh ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. You learned how to combine pasta, veggies, and feta for a burst of flavor. Remember, chilling the salad enhances the taste, and there are many ways to customize it. With proper storage, you can enjoy leftovers without losing quality. Whether you're hosting a gathering or enjoying a simple meal, this salad fits perfectly. Try it out and impress yourself and your guests with this easy, delicious dish.](http://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/42921458-26d8-4100-967d-b17bfbbdb796-300x300.webp)
Easy Greek Pasta Salad
Dive into the refreshing world of Zesty Greek Pasta Salad with Feta & Olives! This vibrant dish combines rotini pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, tangy Kalamata olives, and creamy feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty dressing. Perfect for gatherings or a healthy weeknight dinner, this easy recipe takes just 45 minutes to prepare. Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your friends today!