This mouthwatering Greek Pasta Salad recipe brings together al dente bow tie pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and a medley of fresh herbs. Tossed in a zesty homemade Greek dressing, this vibrant salad bursts with Mediterranean flavors and is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for any occasion. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and wholesome pasta salad that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Greek pasta salad is considered healthy for several reasons:
Greek pasta salad is considered healthy for several reasons:
- Nutrient-rich ingredients: Greek pasta salad typically includes fresh vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and red onions, which provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
- Olive oil: The dressing used in Greek pasta salad is often made with olive oil, which is a heart-healthy source of monounsaturated fats. These fats can help lower bad cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Feta cheese: While feta cheese adds a rich and tangy flavor to the salad, it also provides calcium, protein, and a moderate amount of fat.
- Kalamata olives: These olives are rich in healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, and contain antioxidants that offer various health benefits.
- Whole grain pasta: Many Greek pasta salad recipes use whole grain pasta, which is higher in fiber, vitamins, and minerals compared to regular refined pasta.
- Low in unhealthy additives: Greek pasta salad recipes often avoid processed and unhealthy additives like excessive amounts of sugar, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial preservatives.
It’s essential to keep portion sizes in mind and enjoy Greek pasta salad as part of a balanced diet that includes a variety of other nutrient-dense foods. By using fresh and wholesome ingredients and a light dressing, Greek pasta salad can be a tasty and healthful addition to your meals.
Why you’ll love this recipe
You’re going to love this salad because this Greek pasta salad features a combination of fresh and flavorful ingredients such as ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, tangy feta cheese, briny Kalamata olives, and aromatic herbs. These ingredients come together to create a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite. With its abundance of vegetables, this Greek pasta salad offers a nutritious profile. It often includes nutrient-rich components like colorful bell peppers, red onions, and heart-healthy olive oil. This combination of healthful ingredients makes it an appealing choice for those seeking a balanced meal.
This Greek pasta salad is so versatile and can be customized to suit different preferences. You can add or omit ingredients based on dietary restrictions or personal taste. It can be served as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a standalone dinner option. Plus, this salad doesn’t require extensive cooking or complex techniques, making it an easy, refreshing and light option.
RELATED: Easy Greek Quinoa Salad Recipe
Ingredients for Greek Pasta Salad with Bow Tie Pasta
For the pasta salad you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Bowtie pasta
- Cherry tomatoes
- English cucumber
- Red bell pepper
- Red onion
- Kalamata olives
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
For the Homemade Greek Salad Dressing you’ll need:
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar
- Minced garlic
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Dry mustard
- Salt and black pepper
For the full list of ingredients, and the printable recipe, be sure to check out the recipe card below.
How to make…
This delicious salad comes together quickly in four easy steps:
- In a very large bowl, toss together the ingredients for the pasta salad.
- In a smaller bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the ingredients for the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Make this Bow Tie Greek Pasta Salad recipe, then check out my Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad and more of my pasta salad recipes.
TIPS AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Read on for tips and substitution ideas on how to make this recipe, such as how to customize this salad, and how to store this salad.
Can I make Greek pasta salad in advance?
Yes, you can definitely make Greek pasta salad in advance. In fact, making it ahead of time can allow the flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a more delicious and well-incorporated dish. Here are some tips for preparing Greek pasta salad in advance:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming too soft.
- Chill the Pasta: Once the pasta is rinsed and drained, toss it with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and refrigerate it until you’re ready to assemble the salad.
- Chop Ingredients: Prepare and chop all the vegetables, herbs, and other ingredients that you plan to include in the salad. Keep them separately refrigerated in airtight containers.
- Make the Dressing: Prepare the dressing in a separate container. Keep in mind that the flavors of the dressing will continue to meld over time, enhancing the taste of the salad.
- Assemble Before Serving: When you’re ready to serve, take out the chilled pasta and ingredients from the refrigerator. Combine everything in a large bowl, including the dressing. Toss well to ensure that all the components are evenly coated.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a touch more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Fresh Additions: If your Greek pasta salad includes delicate ingredients like fresh herbs or crumbled feta cheese, you might want to add these just before serving to retain their freshness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once everything is combined and seasoned to your liking, serve the Greek pasta salad and enjoy the flavorful medley of ingredients.
Making Greek pasta salad in advance can save you time when you’re preparing for a gathering or a busy day. It’s a great option for picnics, parties, and other events where you want a delicious and refreshing dish that’s ready to go. Just be mindful of the storage times of individual ingredients and the dressing to ensure the best taste and quality.
Can I add protein to Greek pasta salad?
Absolutely, adding protein to Greek pasta salad is a great way to make it a more filling and well-rounded dish. Here are some protein options that you can consider incorporating into your Greek pasta salad:
- Grilled Chicken: Cooked and diced or sliced grilled chicken breast can add a substantial amount of protein to your salad.
- Shrimp: Grilled, sautéed, or boiled shrimp can provide a delicious seafood twist and protein boost to your salad.
- Canned Tuna: Flake canned tuna can be mixed into the salad. Opt for tuna in water for a lean protein option.
- Chickpeas: These legumes are a popular plant-based protein source and can be a great addition to Greek pasta salad.
- Beans: You can add cooked beans like kidney beans, black beans, or cannellini beans for added protein and texture.
- Quinoa: Cooked quinoa is a protein-rich grain that can complement the flavors of a Greek pasta salad.
- Tofu: Cubes of marinated and grilled tofu can provide a vegetarian protein option for your salad.
- Salmon: Flaked and cooked salmon, whether grilled or baked, can introduce a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Sliced or chopped hard-boiled eggs can add protein and a creamy texture to the salad.
- Seitan: For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, seitan (wheat gluten) can be grilled or sautéed and added to the salad.
When adding protein to your Greek pasta salad, keep in mind the overall flavor profile. Consider marinating or seasoning the protein to complement the Mediterranean flavors of the salad. You can also adjust the dressing and seasonings accordingly to ensure everything harmonizes well. Remember that adding protein will increase the overall calorie content of the salad, so it’s important to balance it with the rest of your meal plan if you’re watching your calorie intake.
How long does Greek pasta salad stay fresh?
The freshness of Greek pasta salad depends on various factors including the ingredients used, how it’s stored, and the specific conditions of your environment. Generally, if stored properly, Greek pasta salad can stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Tips on how to store Greek Pasta Salad
Here are some guidelines to help you maximize the freshness of your Greek pasta salad:
- Storage: Store the Greek pasta salad in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and the absorption of other odors from the fridge.
- Separate Dressing: If possible, store the dressing separately and add it to the salad just before serving. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
- Delicate Ingredients: Greek pasta salad contains delicate ingredients like fresh herbs and feta cheese, so consider adding them just before serving to retain their freshness and texture.
- Avoid Overdressing: If you’re making the salad in advance, use a bit less dressing than you normally would. The pasta will absorb some of the dressing over time.
- Chill Promptly: After assembling the salad, refrigerate it promptly. Perishable ingredients like the vegetables, feta cheese, and any added protein should not be left at room temperature for extended periods.
- Avoid High Temperatures: Keep the salad away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as higher temperatures can accelerate the spoilage process.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The freshness of the individual ingredients you use will impact the overall freshness of the salad. Ensure that your vegetables are crisp and not overripe.
- Smell and Texture: Before consuming, check the salad for any off smells or changes in texture that could indicate spoilage.
- Best Within a Few Days: For the best taste and quality, it’s recommended to consume the Greek pasta salad within 3 to 5 days.
Remember that food safety is crucial. If you’re unsure about the freshness of the salad or any of its ingredients, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not consume it. Always trust your senses and judgment when it comes to determining the edibility of any food item.
🍂 Celebrate Autumn with this easy salad!
Mixed Green Salad with Apple and Goat Cheese
This delicious green salad with apple and goat cheese is filled with flavor from apples, raisins, goat cheese, and toasted walnuts. It’s easy to make in under 30 minutes for an easy weeknight side dish your whole family will love.
MAKE THIS SALAD → Mixed Green Salad with Apple and Goat Cheese
Other pasta salad recipes to try
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta Salad – This creamy seafood pasta salad recipe is a delightful combination of succulent shrimp, al dente pasta, and a creamy dressing that will transport your taste buds to a sunny beachside retreat. This salad is a hearty and refreshing summer salad delight!
- Classic Tuna Pasta Salad – This is a classic dish that’s easy to make, delicious, and perfect for meal prep. Made with pasta, canned tuna, celery, carrots, green onion and dill, it’s a healthy and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
- Mandarin Chicken Pasta Salad – Packed with protein-rich chicken, as well as flavorful mandarin oranges, vegetables and a tasty dressing, this salad is an easy way to nourish your body.
- Pesto Caprese Pasta Salad – This pasta salad is loaded with your favorite pasta noodles, fresh tomatoes and mozzarella and tossed in the best tasty pesto! It’s such an easy dish and perfect for anytime of the year!
Bow Tie Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
This delightful mediterranean pasta salad recipe features tender bow tie pasta mixed with colorful bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and briny Kalamata olives. To add a creamy twist, we toss in crumbled feta cheese and a generous amount of tangy Greek dressing, creating a harmony of flavors that's both refreshing and satisfying.
Ingredients
For the pasta salad:
- ½ (16 ounce) box bowtie pasta, cooked according to package directions
- 1 (10 ounce) container cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 English cucumber, quartered through the length and sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced
- ½ small red onion, diced
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, drained
- ⅔ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
For the greek dressing:
- ½ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a very large bowl, toss together the ingredients for the pasta salad.
- In a smaller bowl or jar, whisk or shake together the ingredients for the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Feel free to look through the rest of my recipes and if you can’t find the recipe you’re looking for let me know and I’ll do my best to create it for you.
