What goes in a Greek pasta salad?

A traditional Greek pasta salad includes short pasta like rotini or penne, chopped fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions, plus olives — usually Kalamata. Crumbled or cubed feta cheese adds richness, and the whole dish is dressed in a simple mixture of olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Some variations also include lemon juice or red wine vinegar for a tangy finish. These ingredients together create a balanced salad that’s fresh, savory, and perfect for warm weather meals.

What are the five mistakes to avoid pasta salad?

Overcooking the pasta — It turns mushy when chilled. Skipping the rinse — This causes sticky clumps and uneven dressing distribution. Undersalting or late seasoning — Flavors won't develop properly. Dressing too early or too late — You risk a soggy or bland result. Not chilling long enough — Flavors need time to marry and intensify. By avoiding these five mistakes, you’ll ensure your pasta salad is consistently fresh and flavorful.

What does a Greek salad include?

A classic Greek salad, or horiatiki, includes tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese — typically without lettuce. It’s dressed with olive oil, oregano, and sometimes red wine vinegar or lemon juice. It’s a staple of Mediterranean cuisine, known for its bright, refreshing flavors and simplicity. The ingredients are usually chopped into large pieces and served with a slice or block of feta on top.

“Greek pasta” can refer to either a Greek-style pasta dish like Greek pasta salad or specific types of pasta commonly used in Greek cooking. One such example is kritharaki , also known as orzo — a small, rice-shaped pasta often used in baked dishes. In the case of Greek pasta salad, it’s about incorporating traditional Greek flavors into a pasta-based dish using ingredients like feta, olives, olive oil, and herbs.

Greek Pasta Salad – 5 Powerful Tips for Fresh Flavor

Description

Greek pasta salad bursts with bold Mediterranean flavors. Discover ingredients, tips, and mistakes to avoid in this easy, customizable recipe.

Ingredients

For the Salad:7 oz feta cheese, crumbled or cubed3 large ripe tomatoes, chopped1 medium red onion, thinly sliced (soaked in water if preferred)1 bell pepper (any color), diced½ cup olives (Kalamata or green), pitted and halved1–2 English cucumbers, chopped7 oz cooked pasta (any shape), cooledFor the Dressing:1 ½ tablespoons olive oil1 teaspoon oregano (dried or fresh)Salt and pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Slice tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and olives.
Gently fold in the crumbled or cubed feta cheese.
Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and oregano.
Drizzle with olive oil and toss to combine.
Add the cooked and cooled pasta, gently mixing to coat evenly.
Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.