Greek Pasta Salad
Homemade Greek Pasta Salad made with Pasta, Greek Olives, Feta Cheese, Peppers, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Pepperoncinis, and tossed in a Homemade Greek Dressing. The Best Greek Pasta Salad Recipe!
Servings: 6
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb (16 oz) Pasta *
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
- 1 Cucumber (sliced and halved)
- 3/4 cup Mixed Greek Olives (kalamata, green, etc)
- 8 ounces Feta Cheese
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup Chopped Red, Orange, or Yellow Peppers
- 1/4 cup Pepperoncinis (chopped and whole)
- Optional Ingredients: Red Onion, Pine Nuts, and Roasted Red Peppers
- Garnish: Freshly Grounded Pepper, Red Chili Flakes, Fresh Basil or Oregano
Homemade Greek Dressing:
- 2/3 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/3 cup Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 Garlic Cloves
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 teaspoons Honey or Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- Heat large pot of water over high heat. Bring to a boil and generously salt the water. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, prepare the other ingredients. See notes below on tips on ingredients.
Homemade Greek Dressing:
- In food processor or blender, add all ingredients and blend until creamy. Check for seasonings and add more salt, if needed.
- In a large bowl, toss cooked pasta, vegetables, and feta cheese. Drizzle dressing over salad and lightly toss. Garnish with freshly ground pepper, red chili flakes, and fresh basil.
Notes
- Pasta Suggestions: You can use your favorite type of pasta but some of the most popular are rotini pasta, orzo pasta, macaroni pasta, trottole pasta, ziti or penne pasta, cavatappi, and more.
- I suggest Hot House Cucumbers. I suggest sprinkling the cucumbers and tomatoes with a touch of salt.
- I suggest buying the small, mini assorted colored peppers so you have a variety of colors.
- A few more optional additions are roasted red peppers, red onion, chickpeas, fresh basil, pine nuts, or made with orzo pasta.
- If your local grocery store has a gourmet olive bar, I love to pick up an assortment of fresh Greek olives for this Greek pasta salad. If I can't buy the olives fresh, I use jarred Mezzetta olives and peppers.
- You can use your favorite type of feta cheese. You can buy it already crumbled or buy it as a block and cut it into small squares. It is more authentic to use the block feta cheese.
- For Dressing: an optional ingredient is a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice to add tang and freshness to the dressing. If you want a creamier version, add 2 Tablespoons of Mayonnaise.