Greek-Style Pasta Salad
A vibrant Greek-style pasta salad featuring tender penne, fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and herbs, all tossed in a zesty olive oil and vinegar dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches, it offers a refreshing blend of flavors and textures that appeal to both vegetarians and pasta lovers.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. penne or other tubular pasta ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped ⓘ
- 1 (2.2 oz.) can sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes, diced ⓘ
- 2 scallions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. frozen green beans, thawed ⓘ
- 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped flat leaf parsley ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/8 tsp. pepper
- 1 c. crumbled Feta cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne until just tender, about 10 to 12 minutes; drain well.
- Rinse with cold water and drain again.
- Return the pasta to the pot.
- Add olive oil and vinegar and toss to coat.
- Add cucumber, olives, tomatoes, scallions, green beans, bell pepper, parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to mix well.
- Sprinkle feta cheese over the salad.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier salad, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas for protein. You can substitute the penne with whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. If fresh herbs are available, feel free to use fresh parsley instead of dried. For a different flavor profile, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or some capers. This Greek-Style Pasta Salad pairs beautifully with Broiled Tomatoes.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is perfect for picnics or potlucks and can be served as a side dish or a light main course. Pair it with grilled meats or serve alongside some Garlic Spread on crusty bread for a complete meal. For a refreshing dessert, consider serving Koulourakia(Greek Butter Cookies) afterwards.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta salad in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat it to maintain the texture of the vegetables and feta. Alternatively, enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek-Style Pasta Salad contains roughly 574 calories, with 18g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (173% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (141% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (117% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2126mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld together even more. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator, and give it a good toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.
What other vegetables can I add to this salad?
You can customize this pasta salad with a variety of vegetables. Consider adding artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or even radishes for extra crunch. For a Mediterranean twist, try incorporating sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers as well.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Greek-Style Pasta Salad is perfect for vegetarians as it contains no meat. The feta cheese adds a nice protein boost, making it a satisfying meal option. You can also add chickpeas for additional protein if desired.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).