Greek Pasta Salad
A bright, refreshing pasta salad loaded with classic Greek flavors — juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, tangy feta cheese, and briny olives, all tossed in a zesty lemon-oregano dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer lunch, this colorful dish comes together in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
- boil · ~12 min
Cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Shake well to remove excess water and let cool completely.
TIPRinsing pasta stops the cooking and removes excess starch so the salad doesn't turn gummy. - mix · ~3 min
Make the lemon-oregano dressing.
1.In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar.2.Add minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.3.Whisk again until well combined and emulsified. - assemble · ~5 min
Combine all ingredients.
1.In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, and sliced red onion.2.Scatter the kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese over the top.3.Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.TIPUse a folding motion rather than stirring to keep the feta from breaking down too much. - rest · ~20 min
Chill the salad.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. This salad tastes even better after an hour or two.
TIPLetting it rest is key — the pasta absorbs the dressing and the flavors deepen. - garnish · ~1 min
Toss and serve.
Give the salad a final toss before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning with an extra pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon if needed.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Cook the pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
- 2Seed the cucumber before dicing to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
- 3Use a folding motion when tossing to keep the feta crumbles intact.
- 4Chill the salad for at least 20 minutes to allow the pasta to absorb the dressing.
- 5Dress the salad just before serving if you prefer a brighter, less absorbed flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein-added
Add 1-2 cups of cooked, diced chicken or chickpeas to turn this side salad into a complete, satisfying meal.
herb freshHerb-fresh
Replace dried oregano with 1-2 tablespoons of chopped fresh oregano or mint for a brighter, more aromatic finish.
low oilLow-oil
Reduce olive oil to 1.5 tablespoons and increase lemon juice to 3 tablespoons for a lighter, more acidic dressing.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Cherry tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to heart health and reduced inflammation.
Good Source of Protein
Feta cheese adds protein and calcium, supporting bone health and muscle repair.
Hydrating Vegetables
Cucumber and tomatoes have high water content, helping to keep you hydrated and refreshed.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, any short pasta like penne, farfalle, or cavatappi works well; just be sure to cook it al dente.







