This easy Greek Pasta Salad recipe is the perfect make-ahead side dish for family dinners, cookouts and potlucks!
When I think of cookouts or get togethers, I think of this greek pasta salad recipe. It is always a winner. The tangy dressing and fresh healthy ingredients are enjoyed by all.
Greek Pasta salad dressing
This pasta salad is dressed with a simple red wine vinaigrette, lots of herbs, and garlic. I make the dressing first thing while the pasta starts boiling.
Then, I add in my garlic and chopped red onion.
This is so that the garlic and onion have a chance to mellow out. Nobody wants to be smacked in the mouth with a bite of the raw stuff.
If you prefer not to make your own vinaigrette, simply use your favorite jarred Italian-style dressing.
What pasta should you use?
Any tube-shaped pasta will work just fine. I used rotini, but you could also use penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi.
I prefer to use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for a little extra nutritional benefit.
What vegetables are best in a greek pasta salad?
In addition to the aforementioned red onion and garlic, I like to add sliced artichoke hearts, cherry or grape tomatoes, and sliced cucumbers.
You could also add Kalamata olives and feta cheese, but my family does not care for them so they are not listed in the recipe.
Chopped stoplight bell peppers would also be a wonderful addition.
Making Greek Pasta Salad
This is a very easy pasta salad recipe. Mix together the vinaigrette and add the onion and garlic to marinate while you cook your pasta.
I like to prep my veggies while the pasta cooks. Set up an ice bath in a large bowl that can accommodate your colander.
When the pasta is soft, drain it, rinse with cool water, and submerge the colander in the ice bath.
Add more ice on top and set aside for 5 minutes. Then, drain the pasta thoroughly.
Assembling the Greek Pasta Salad
I mix up the salad in batches: first add about half of the pasta to a large, plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.
Add half of the vinaigrette and vegetables and mix.
Then add all the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Lid the container and shake.
Finally, refrigerate until party time (at least 4 hours and up to 3 days).
If you are bringing your Greek Pasta Salad to a cookout or potluck, do be sure to keep it cold. You don't want a nasty outbreak of foodborne illness, after all.
That's all there is to this easy side dish recipe. We had extra, so we kept right on eating it. I hope this pasta salad recipe is a hit with your crowd!
Happy Spring! If you're looking for more side-dish ideas, be sure to check out my Creamy Pasta Salad and Tangy 3-Bean Salad!
—xoxo Michelle
P.S. Planning a potluck? You'll find ideas for hosting a safe potluck during this time of social distancing, plus 45 gorgeous potluck recipes at Virtual Memorial Day Potluck Recipes Roundup. And, now that COVID restrictions are lifting, I share our favorite Memorial Day recipes for a traditional get-together at Memorial Day Recipes 2021!
Linkies
I’m sharing my easy Greek Pasta Salad recipe with #CookBlogShare, a great food blogger recipe-share hosted this week at Recipes Made Easy.
Recipe
Easy Greek Pasta Salad
Easy Greek Pasta Salad is the perfect make-ahead-and-go side dish for cookouts and potlucks. I love to make it at least a day in advance because the flavors get that much better!
Ingredients
FOR THE VINAIGRETTE DRESSING
- 1 cup olive oil, extra virgin
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mixed dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- 2 teaspoon granulated sugar, (or substitute Splenda)
- 1 teaspoon coarse salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
FOR THE SALAD
- 1 lb dried pasta, (like rotini, penne, rigatone, cavatappi)
- 8 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 English cucumber, quartered lengthwise and then thinly sliced crosswise
- 8 oz feta cheese
- 8 oz canned artichoke hearts, quartered (see Recipe Note #1)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of well-salted water (at least 2 quarts) to a boil.
FOR THE VINAIGRETTE DRESSING
- Whisk all ingredients for the dressing through the black pepper together in a bowl. Mix in the red onion and garlic. Set aside.
FOR THE SALAD
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions. Meanwhile, prepare an ice bath in a large bowl (large enough so your colander can fit inside). When the pasta is soft, drain it into the colander and immediately submerge the colander in the ice bath. Add more ice cubes on top. Set aside to cool while you do any additional vegetable prep (about 5 minutes).
- Add about half the pasta into a large storage container with half of the vegetables and half of the dressing. Mix well. Add the remaining ingredients and mix. Tightly lid the container and shake well. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 3 days. Mix again before serving.
Notes
- I like to use the non-marinated artichokes in brine. Be sure to rinse them first.
- Pitted Kalamata olives would also be a wonderful addition.
- Be sure to keep the pasta salad cold. Not doing so will increase the chances of an a outbreak of foodborne illness.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
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Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says
YUM! I love pasta salads. And this one sounds like a great one. What a shame your family don't like olives - I would definitely add a generous helping of olives to this pasta salad 😀 Eb x
Michelle says
Thank you, Eb! Yes, I'm totally with you, LOL! 😛
Cat | Curly's Cooking says
My husband loves pasta salad to take to work for lunch. This looks delicious and would make a nice change for him!
Michelle says
Thanks, Cat! I hope he loves it!!
Jacqui Bellefontaine says
What a great idea bulking out a Greek Salad with pasta. Double Yum factor/ Thanks for linking to #CookBlogShare
Michelle says
Thank you, Jacqui!!
Donna says
Greek food is my favourite. Well, one of them! I absolutely love all of the flavours. #CookBlogShare
Michelle says
Thank you, Donna! I also love the herbs and spices in Greek food. Thanks for stopping by!