Greek Pasta Salad

Greek pasta salad boasts a briny, olive-forward flavor with pops of sweetness from sun-dried tomatoes and feta cheese. You might also love that it doesn’t have pieces of raw peppers and onions, which is common in many other pasta salads. Instead, this pasta salad relies on olives, cucumbers, and banana pepper rings for snap and pop and loads of flavors.

A perfect salad for entertaining, this Greek pasta salad is bright, colorful, and full of  flavor. Here, learn how to make it, and how to make it a bit more of your own.

Ingredients for Greek Pasta Salad

A quick homemade dressing makes this Greek pasta salad fresher and more flavorful, and most everything you'll need for it is likely in your pantry now. Here's the full list:

• Elbow macaroni: This petite noodle is great at picking up the dressing and not overwhelming the other ingredients. You could also use conchiglie or fusili.
• Kosher salt: For the boiling water for the pasta and seasoning the salad dressing.
• Red wine vinegar: Essential for a homemade salad dressing. Red wine vinegar lends a bit of sweetness that a white vinegar won't have.
• Dijon mustard: Helps to emulsify the salad dressing and add tang.
• Dried oregano: Great for adding herby flavor to the salad dressing and likely is in your cabinet right now. Dried thyme would also be great.
• Black pepper: For seasoning the dressing.
• Kalamata olives: You'll use the olives and the brine from the jar to really get that Greek-inspired flavor. Adding olive brine to the vinaigrette adds a briny, salty, funky element that sets this dressing apart.
• Extra-virgin olive oil: Blended into the other ingredients for the dressing. You can use another neutral oil, like avocado oil, but here, where the flavor will really shine, a high-quality olive oil is a great choice.
• Cucumbers: Persian cucumbers are preferred because they are smaller with fewer seeds and a skin that is thin and crispy.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: The intense flavor of sun-dried tomatoes really elevates the overall flavor with concentrated tomato sweetness and tang.
• Banana pepper rings: Tart and a bit sharp, banana peppers add crunch and tang. If you like heat, use pepperoncini instead.
• Feta cheese: Salty and tangy, feta cheese is necessary for that Greek flavor.
• Fresh dill: Optional if you aren't a fan of dill, but it is a great way to add freshness.

How To Make Greek Pasta Salad

This easy pasta salad comes together in just 10 minutes. Here's a brief overview; the full recipe is further below:

• Step 1. Cook pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and rinse. The pasta will soften slightly once the dressing is added, so not overcooking it is important to retain good texture.
• Step 2. Make dressing: Combine the ingredients for the dressing in a large bowl, and whisk in the oil until smooth and blended.
• Step 3. Add pasta salad ingredients: In the bowl with the dressing, add the cooked pasta, and toss well to coat. Tossing the pasta with the dressing first before adding the other elements is important. This way, all the pasta gets the dressing flavor. Then, add the remaining ingredients, and toss to combine well.
• Step 4. Serve: Add the final garnish of dill, and serve.

How To Store Greek Pasta Salad

Leftover pasta salad makes for great lunches and sides all week, but it won't last a full week. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to four days. Be sure to mix the salad before serving as the dressing may settle in the bottom of the bowl.

Can You Make Greek Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make Greek pasta salad up to 2 days in advance. Drizzle with a little extra-virgin olive oil before serving if it becomes dry, or make a second recipe of the dressing, and keep it handy for eating leftovers.

If you need to get head on making this fresh, you can cook the noodles ahead of time. Keep them on a baking sheet drizzled with olive oil, covered, and refrigerated for up to 1 day. Make the dressing up to 2 days in advance and keep it stored in the fridge, too. Just give it a good whisk before adding to the pasta.

Variations for Greek Pasta Salad

The great thing about this pasta salad—or any pasta salad, for that matter—is how versatile it is. We have a few additional ideas for things to stir in:

• Briny flavors: Add some capers and mixed colors of olives.
• Bring on the herbs: Add a mixture of herbs like mint, oregano, and parsley. 
• Swap the sauce: Use some of the feta or banana pepper brine instead of the olive brine in the dressing, if desired—or just add a little extra red wine vinegar.
• Pepper flip: Use sliced pepperoncini instead of banana peppers for a spicier element.
  

What To Serve With Greek Pasta Salad

Truth be told, Greek pasta salad would make a great lunch by itself, but you can add a little oomph to it with some grilled chicken or grilled shrimp. You can also serve this at a tailgate alongside football favorites like chicken wings, BLT, or Ham-and-Swiss Sliders.