Greek Pasta Salad
A fresh and vibrant pasta salad with crisp vegetables, a tangy lemon-herb vinaigrette, and a hint of feta. This lighter take on a Mediterranean classic is perfect for a quick lunch or side dish.
For 4 servings
Cook the pasta.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process.
TIPRinsing the pasta removes excess starch, which helps prevent the salad from becoming gummy.Prepare the vegetables.
While the pasta is cooking, chop the cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Halve the olives. Place all the prepared vegetables in a large salad bowl.
Whisk the vinaigrette.
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, and black pepper. Whisk or shake well until the dressing is emulsified.
TIPMaking the dressing in a jar with a lid makes it easy to shake and combine everything perfectly.Combine and toss the salad.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables.
- Pour the vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetables.
- Toss everything together until well-coated.
- Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, let the salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the pasta to absorb the vinaigrette.
- 2Use block feta and crumble it yourself for a creamier texture compared to pre-crumbled varieties.
- 3If meal prepping, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
- 4Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or artichoke hearts for more variety.
Adapt it for your goals.
Gluten free
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook according to package directions.
veganVegan
Omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based feta alternative.
high proteinHigh protein
Add 1 cup of canned chickpeas (rinsed and drained) or 200g of grilled chicken breast for a protein boost.
kid friendlyKid friendly
Use a fun pasta shape like rotini or bow ties. You can also finely chop the vegetables or use milder cherry tomatoes.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Fiber
The whole wheat pasta and fresh vegetables provide a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health and can help you feel full longer.
Heart-Healthy Fats
Made with extra virgin olive oil, the vinaigrette is a source of monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
Packed with Vitamins
Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions are loaded with essential vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health and immunity.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, this version of Greek Pasta Salad is quite healthy. It uses whole wheat pasta for fiber, is packed with fresh vegetables for vitamins, and features a light vinaigrette made with heart-healthy olive oil. The reduced feta and olives keep the sodium in check.
