Name: Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 3 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 lemon, zest and juice; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 x 400g tinned chickpeas, drained; 150g fusilli pasta; ½ cucumber, diced; 10 cherry tomatoes, halved; 100g vegan feta cheese, diced; 1 green pepper, diced; 30g kalamata olives, diced; 20g fresh parsley, chopped; 1 red onion, diced

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for an easy, show-stopping side that bursts with Mediterranean flavor, this Greek Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to. Overflowing with crunchy veggies, creamy vegan feta, and a punchy lemon-oregano dressing, each forkful delivers a reminder of sun-soaked afternoons in Greece. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping a week’s worth of lunches, or just want to add color and zing to your dinner table, this Greek Pasta Salad is guaranteed to please—and believe me, you’ll be asked for the recipe more than once!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that fresh, everyday ingredients can truly shine together. Each component adds something special—be it texture, tang, or that pop of color that makes a salad irresistible.

Olive oil: Use good quality for a rich, aromatic foundation in your dressing.
Red wine vinegar: Brings a subtle sharpness that wakes up the flavors.
Lemon zest and juice: Adds freshness and brightness with every bite.
Dried oregano: Offers that signature Greek herbiness you can’t skip.
Garlic clove (minced): Gives the dressing a gentle, savory punch.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
Black pepper: Adds a little mellow heat.
Tinned chickpeas (400g, drained): Fantastic for protein and a lovely creamy texture—try them air-fried for crunch!
Fusilli pasta (150g): Its twists catch all the dressing and toppings beautifully.
Cucumber (½, diced): Brings a crisp, cooling snap.
Cherry tomatoes (10, halved): Juicy, sweet, and colorful—use different colors if possible!
Vegan feta cheese (100g, diced): Creamy and tangy, it ties all the flavors together.
Green pepper (diced): Crunchy and slightly sweet—adds gorgeous contrast.
Kalamata olives (30g, diced): Deeply savory, for that unmistakable Mediterranean touch.
Fresh parsley (20g): Herbal, fresh, and bright; don’t skip for color or taste.
Red onion (diced): Adds sharpness and a burst of color throughout the salad.

How to Make Greek Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling your fusilli pasta according to its package instructions. Once it’s tender but still pleasantly firm, drain it well and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta quickly, ensuring it won’t become mushy and making it ready to soak up that gorgeous dressing later.

Step 2: Prep the Chickpeas

If you love a bit of crunch, toss your drained chickpeas with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano, then air fry at 200C for 10 minutes. If you prefer them soft and creamy, simply drain and rinse—either way, you’re adding a hearty, satisfying protein kick to your Greek Pasta Salad.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables and Cheese

While the pasta cooks, set aside a few minutes to dice your red onion, green pepper, cucumber, parsley, and crumbled feta. Also, halve the cherry tomatoes and olives. Keeping everything roughly the same size means you get a little bit of everything in every mouthful—a game changer for salads like this.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon zest and juice, dried oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a jar. Now, close the lid and shake robustly! Taste your homemade dressing and adjust anything you’d like. This zingy magic will tie all your salad ingredients together.

Step 5: Toss and Combine

In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, crispy (or creamy) chickpeas, all your diced vegetables, vegan feta, and parsley. Pour over your prepared dressing, then toss gently until everything is beautifully cloaked in flavor. You’ll see the colors pop and the textures come to life right before your eyes!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Your Greek Pasta Salad is ready to wow! Pile it high on a serving platter or bowl and present it straight away for maximum freshness and color. It’s as satisfying to look at as it is to eat.

How to Serve Greek Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Garnish your Greek Pasta Salad with a final flurry of chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra vegan feta. Some extra Kalamata olives on top never hurt, either! For added zest, a little grated lemon zest or a touch of cracked black pepper goes a long way—so beautiful and appetizing.

Side Dishes

This dish is a natural team player! Pair your Greek Pasta Salad alongside warm pita, herby lemon potatoes, or even with grilled tofu skewers for a satisfying, summer-inspired meal. It also makes a lovely part of a mezze table alongside dips like hummus and baba ganoush.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try serving this salad in individual jars or small bowls for a cute, portable appetizer. Or, pile your Greek Pasta Salad into lettuce cups for a fun, hands-on way to eat. If you’re packing lunch, layer the dressing on the bottom of a mason jar salad to keep everything crisp until mealtime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Pasta Salad keeps beautifully in the fridge! Store it in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch extra special.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this Greek Pasta Salad, as the veggies tend to lose their crispness and the feta’s texture can change. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a few days at most.

Reheating

Since this is meant to be a cold salad, no reheating is necessary! If you prefer a slightly room-temperature salad, just let it sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving, and give it a quick toss to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While fusilli is great for catching dressing and add-ins, penne, rotini, or even farfalle work just as well in Greek Pasta Salad. Just aim for a shape with plenty of nooks and crannies to hold all the vibrant toppings and flavors.

Is this Greek Pasta Salad gluten free?

It can be! Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are fantastic gluten-free fusilli or penne options available, so everyone can dig in without worry.

What if I don’t have vegan feta?

No worries—if you can’t find vegan feta, try using crumbled tofu tossed with a splash of lemon juice and a pinch of salt, or just skip it for a lighter take. The salad will still have loads of punchy Greek flavor.

Can I add more protein?

Definitely. In addition to the chickpeas, you can toss in some grilled vegan chicken or even more beans. It’s a flexible recipe—feel free to make it your own!

How far in advance can I prepare Greek Pasta Salad?

You can make it up to a day ahead! For best results, keep the dressing separate and toss it through just before serving—this keeps the vegetables at their crispest and the pasta from soaking up all the dressing early.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Pasta Salad is so much more than a side—it’s a party on your plate, and a real taste of sunshine any time of year. Give it a try and discover how a simple dish can wow your taste buds and bring everyone to the table, again and again!

Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Greek Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or as a side. Packed with Mediterranean ingredients and a zesty dressing, it’s a sure crowd-pleaser.

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and rinse under cold water.
Prepare Chickpeas: Optionally air fry chickpeas for crispiness or add directly to salad.
Prepare Ingredients: Dice onion, peppers, parsley, cucumber, halve tomatoes, crumble feta, and chop olives.
Make Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a jar, shake well.
Assemble Salad: Mix all salad ingredients in a bowl, add dressing, toss gently.
Serve: Serve immediately.