Looking for a make-ahead salad that’s bursting with flavor? Try our creamy Greek pasta salad, loaded with crunchy cucumbers, tangy feta, and briny Kalamata olives with a slick olive oil vinaigrette. Simply delicious!
Imagine a cross between a classic Greek salad and your favorite cold pasta dish. Bursting with flavors, this Greek pasta salad recipe combines the freshness of Mediterranean ingredients with the creaminess of a delightful Greek dressing.
Pair it with one of our delicious road trip sandwiches or our scrumptious road trip snacks! This site is all about road trips and we’ve expanded into providing simple, easy-to-follow recipes to make delicious road trip food that can be taken with you. Feel free to explore!
Greek Pasta Salad
Recipe Author
Equipment
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Medium Saucepan
- 1 Colander
- 1 Small Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring Cup
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 1 pound fusilli pasta (or rotini)
- 2 bell peppers (1 red and 1 green, diced)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup pitted kalamata olives
- 1 cup cucumbers (diced)
- ½ cup red onions (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Italian herbs
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta as per the instructions given on the package. Once cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water.
- Dice the bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumbers, and chop the red onions. Combine them all in a large bowl.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together dried Italian herbs, olive oil, and lemon juice.
- Add the cooked pasta to the vegetables. Pour the dressing over them and gently mix until well-coated. Incorporate crumbled feta cheese into the salad.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least two hours before serving.
Video
Notes
- Cook the pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy once mixed with the other ingredients.
- Rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water helps cool it down quickly and prevents it from sticking together.
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, beans, or tofu to make it more filling and satisfying.
Nutrition
Storage
This salad is easy to make ahead. It can be stored in jars or airtight containers for 3 days. If you’re making this creamy Greek pasta salad for a road trip, it’s important to consider storage options. Keep the salad chilled in a cooler or insulated bag during your journey to maintain freshness. Pack utensils for convenience.
Variations
While the classic creamy Greek pasta salad recipe is already a hit, you can always experiment with variations to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:
- Protein boost: Add grilled chicken, beans, or tofu to make it more filling and satisfying.
- Veggie delight: Incorporate additional vegetables such as artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Herb infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, mint, or parsley to enhance the salad’s aroma and taste.
- If you need more time, use your favorite Greek store-bought salad dressing.
Top Tips
To ensure the best results when making this creamy Greek pasta salad, here are some top tips:
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy once mixed with the other ingredients.
- Rinse the pasta: Rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water helps cool it down quickly and prevents it from sticking together.
- Use good-quality olive oil: Since the dressing is simple yet essential in this recipe, high-quality extra virgin olive oil will enhance the flavors.
- Customize the dressing: Adjust the amount of lemon juice and olive oil according to your preference. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper for extra seasoning.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
This pasta salad can be made a day in advance, allowing it to develop further. Just make the salad the night before, store it in the refrigerator, and give it a gentle toss before hitting the road. You can also cook the pasta and make the dressing two days in advance.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While fusilli or rotini pasta works well in this recipe, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, farfalle, or macaroni. Pasta with ridges is best.
Can I omit any ingredients?
Certainly! Feel free to customize the salad by omitting or substituting any ingredients you don’t like or have on hand. It’s a versatile recipe that can be adapted to your taste.