Greek Inspired Pasta Salad for a fresh and zesty side dish for a Summer Dinner.

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I love Greek flavors. They can be hard to find in smaller towns though. When I get a craving for those mediterranean flavors I make this greek pasta salad. The feta cheese really puts it over the top with the zesty lemon. This Mediterranean Pasta Salad is:

• Perfect for potlucks, BBQs, meal prep, or easy summer dinners.
• Quick, make-ahead friendly, and packed with flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Greek Pasta Salad

This greek inspired pasta salad is ready in under 25 minutes but tastes like you made it yesterday. The flavors pop immediately. You can of course let it sit in the refrigerator for an even bigger flavor profile.

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What Makes It “Greek Inspired”

Explain the flavor profile.

Traditional Greek ingredients often include:

• feta cheese
• kalamata olives (optional)
• tomatoes
• lemon and olive oil

This pasta salad uses those classic flavors in a simple pasta dish that’s easy for home cooks.

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Ingredients

Pasta

• 1 Package short pasta (fusilli rotini, bowtie, or penne)

Vegetables

• 1½ Cup Cherry or Grape Tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Red Onion, Thinly Sliced (Optional)

Greek Flavors

• ½ cup Kalamata Olives, Sliced (Optional)
• ¾ cup Feta Cheese, Crumbled
• 3 Tbsp Greek Seasoning

Lemon Herb Dressing

• ¼ cup Olive Oil
• ½ Cup Mayonnaise (Homemade mayonnaise if you have the time!)
• 1 Lemon Squeezed
• 1 Clove Garlic, Minced
• Salt and Pepper to Taste

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How to Make Greek Pasta Salad

1. Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

Halve tomatoes.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl whisk together olive oil, mayonnaise lemon juice, garlic, greek seasoning, salt, and pepper.

4. Combine Everything

In a large bowl combine pasta, vegetables, olives, and feta.

5. Toss with Dressing

Pour dressing over the salad and toss until evenly coated.

6. Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.

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Tips for the Best Greek Pasta Salad

• Salt the pasta water so the pasta has flavor.
• Let the pasta cool before adding feta so it doesn’t melt.
• Use block feta instead of pre-crumbled for better flavor.
• Add dressing just before serving if making ahead.

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Variations

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

Add grilled chicken breast for a full meal.

Chickpea Greek Pasta Salad

Add 1 cup chickpeas for a vegetarian protein boost.

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What to Serve with Greek Pasta Salad

Great with:

• grilled chicken
• burgers
• grilled vegetables
• Mediterranean wraps

Perfect side for summer cookouts and picnics.

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How to Store

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If the salad dries out, add a splash of olive oil and lemon juice before serving.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Greek pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours.

What pasta works best?

Short pasta like rotini, bowtie, or penne holds the dressing best.

Can I make it gluten free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta.

Can I use bottled Greek dressing?

You can, but homemade dressing gives the best fresh flavor.

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