Name: Speedy Greek Pasta Salad with Feta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 16 oz (0.45 kg) bow tie pasta, or any medium pasta; 10 oz (285 g) mini tomatoes, halved; 1/2 small red onion, thin slice; 1 green bell pepper, thin slice; 1/2 cup (70 g) Kalamata olives; 7 oz (200 g) feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup (15 g) fresh dill, chopped; 1/4 cup + 2 tbs (60 ml) olive oil; 2 tbs red wine vinegar; 1 clove garlic, minced; 3 tbs mayo, (or Greek yogurt); 2 tsp Dijon mustard; 2 tsp honey; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; salt + pepper, to taste

A Salad That Tells a Story

This Greek pasta salad is like a sunny day in a bowl. I think of my friend Anna when I make it. She taught me this recipe on her porch one hot summer. We laughed and chopped vegetables together. Doesn’t that sound like a lovely afternoon?

This matters because food is about more than eating. It is about sharing time with people you love. A good meal can turn a normal day into a happy memory. I still smile thinking of Anna’s porch.

Why This Easy Greek Pasta Salad Works

This is a make ahead pasta salad. You can prepare it hours before your party. The flavors get even better as they sit. This is a true party pasta salad.

It is also very flexible. Use any medium pasta you have. The bow tie pasta salad is fun, but penne works too. Do you have a favorite pasta shape for salads? Tell me about it.

The Heart of the Dish: The Dressing

This creamy Greek pasta salad recipe has a special secret. It is the dressing. The mix of olive oil, vinegar, and a little mayo makes it so smooth. It coats every piece of pasta perfectly.

This Greek salad dressing recipe is a keeper. You can use it on green salads too. *Fun fact:* The ancient Greeks loved olive oil. They used it for cooking, on their skin, and even in lamps! Whisking it with vinegar is a very old idea.

Bringing the Mediterranean to Your Table

A true Mediterranean pasta salad is full of bright colors and tastes. You get salty bites from the Kalamata olives. Then you get a creamy pop from the feta cheese. The fresh dill makes it smell like a garden.

This matters because eating should be a joy for your eyes and nose. Doesn’t that smell amazing? A pasta salad with feta cheese feels both fancy and simple. Which ingredient in this salad makes you happiest? Is it the tomatoes or the olives?

Your Turn to Create

Now it is your turn. This Greek style pasta salad is your canvas. Try adding some chopped cucumber for a crunch. Or use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the dressing.

The best meals are the ones you make your own. What would you add to make this salad perfect for your family? I would love to hear your ideas. Sharing recipes is how we all learn.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Bow tie pasta	16 oz (0.45 kg)	or any medium pasta
Mini tomatoes	10 oz (285 g)	halved
Red onion	1/2 small	thinly sliced
Green bell pepper	1	thinly sliced
Kalamata olives	1/2 cup (70 g)
Feta cheese	7 oz (200 g)	crumbled
Fresh dill	1/4 cup (15 g)	chopped
Dressing
Olive oil	1/4 cup + 2 tbs (60 ml)
Red wine vinegar	2 tbs
Garlic	1 clove	minced
Mayo (or Greek yogurt)	3 tbs
Dijon mustard	2 tsp
Honey	2 tsp
Dried oregano	1/2 tsp
Salt + pepper	to taste

Instructions

Step 1: First, cook your bow tie pasta. Follow the package directions. While it boils, chop your veggies. I love the bright colors of this Mediterranean pasta salad. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Step 2: Now, make the Greek salad dressing. Whisk everything in a small bowl. This creamy Greek pasta salad recipe gets its zip from the vinegar. (Tip: Taste your dressing on a lettuce leaf first!)

Step 3: Drain your pasta and let it cool a bit. Add it to a big, big bowl. Toss in all your fresh veggies and that lovely feta cheese. I still laugh at how my grandson sneaks olives.

Step 4: Pour your dressing right over the top. Gently toss everything together. You want every piece of pasta coated. This easy Greek pasta salad is so forgiving. Do you prefer Kalamata or black olives? Share below!

Step 5: Let it sit for ten minutes before serving. The flavors will hug each other. This make ahead pasta salad is perfect for a party. Just cover and chill. Your party pasta salad is ready!

Creative Twists

Swap the pasta for couscous or orzo. Add chickpeas or grilled chicken for extra protein. Use fresh mint instead of dill for a different herb kick. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

This Greek style pasta salad is a full meal. For a picnic, pack it with pita bread. I love it with simple grilled lemon chicken. A few extra olives on top look pretty. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Greek Pasta Salad Happy

Let’s talk about storing this lovely salad. It keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Just pop it in a sealed container. It will be good for about three days. The flavors actually get better as they mingle.

You can freeze it, but I don’t recommend it. The veggies lose their lovely crunch. The pasta can get a bit mushy too. It’s best enjoyed fresh or chilled.

I remember my first big batch. I made it for a family picnic. I was so worried it would get soggy. A tight lid made all the difference. Now I make it for every gathering.

Batch cooking this easy Greek pasta salad saves busy days. A ready meal means less stress. It also means more time for stories at the table. That matters most. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Salad Troubles

Is your pasta salad too dry? The pasta soaks up the dressing. Always save a little extra dressing. Add it just before you serve. This keeps every bite creamy and delicious.

Are the veggies wilting? Toss them with the pasta while it’s warm. The heat softens them just a touch. This brings out their sweet, natural flavors. I once added cold peppers to cold pasta. They tasted too sharp and raw.

Is the flavor a bit flat? Do not forget the salt and pepper. Taste your dressing before you pour. Adjust the honey or vinegar until it sings. Fixing these small issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes your Mediterranean pasta salad taste amazing. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

What is the best pasta shape for Greek pasta salad?

Bow tie pasta is my favorite for this Greek style pasta salad. Its twists hold the creamy Greek dressing perfectly. Other good shapes are rotini or penne. Choose a pasta with nooks for the dressing. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti. It does not mix as well with the chunky veggies and feta cheese.

Can I make Greek pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, this is a perfect make ahead pasta salad. In fact, I recommend it. Making it ahead lets the flavors blend beautifully. Just keep it chilled in the fridge. Add a splash of dressing before serving. This keeps your party pasta salad from drying out. It is a true lifesaver for busy days and last-minute guests.

What dressing is used for a Greek pasta salad?

The dressing is a simple Greek salad dressing recipe. It mixes olive oil and red wine vinegar. We add garlic, oregano, and a touch of honey. The secret is a spoonful of mayo or yogurt. This creates the creamy texture for our creamy Greek pasta salad recipe. Whisk it well until it is smooth. Taste it and adjust to your liking.

How do you keep pasta salad from getting dry?

The key is in the dressing and storage. First, do not rinse your pasta after cooking. The starch helps the dressing stick. Second, always reserve a little extra dressing. Third, store your pasta salad with feta cheese in a sealed container. Add that saved dressing right before you serve. This trick keeps your Mediterranean pasta salad moist and tasty.

What can I add to Greek pasta salad for more protein?

You have many tasty options for extra protein. Grilled chicken strips are a classic choice. Canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained, work wonderfully too. You could also add flaked tuna or cooked shrimp. *Fun fact: Chickpeas are also called garbanzo beans!* Any of these mix right in with the olives and veggies. They make the salad a hearty meal all on its own.

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta in Greek pasta salad?

You can, but feta is traditional for a reason. Its salty, tangy taste defines the Greek pasta salad. If you must swap, try cubed mozzarella or goat cheese. They are mild and creamy. Avoid very hard cheeses like cheddar. They do not give the same Mediterranean flavor. The feta cheese crumbles into the dressing so nicely. Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this bow tie pasta salad. It holds so many happy memories for me. I think of sunny days and shared laughs. Food is best when it brings people together.

I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me how it turned out for you. Did your family enjoy it? Have you tried this recipe? Please share your story in the comments below. Your notes make my day.

Happy cooking!

—Elena Rutherford