Great Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for a vibrant, flavor-packed side that always brings the party, my Great Greek Pasta Salad is truly a crowd-pleaser! This chilled pasta salad bursts with juicy veggies, tangy feta, briny olives, and peppery pepperoni, all tossed in a zingy homemade dressing you’ll want to pour on everything.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Great Greek Pasta Salad is in its simple, fresh ingredients—each one brings color, crunch, or bold flavor to the party. Don’t be tempted to skip anything, because every component shines in its own way!

• Olive Oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for a rich, fruity base to your dressing.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Adds that signature Mediterranean tang, pulling all the flavors together.
• Garlic Powder: An easy way to infuse garlicky goodness without overpowering the salad.
• Dried Basil & Oregano: Essential for that unmistakable Greek herb aroma—don’t skimp on these classic seasonings!
• Ground Black Pepper & White Sugar: Just enough for balance, giving your dressing a kick and a touch of sweetness.
• Elbow Macaroni: The perfect, sturdy pasta shape for soaking up all that delicious dressing.
• Fresh Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms bring earthiness and a lovely bite—use white or cremini.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Little bursts of sweetness and color—halve them for maximum juiciness in every bite.
• Red Bell Peppers: For crunch, vivid color, and a mild sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with feta.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled tangy feta lends creamy, salty nuggets throughout the salad.
• Green Onions: Adds a gentle onion note and fresh green pop.
• Whole Black Olives: The briny, savory punch that gives every bite a real Greek vibe.
• Pepperoni Sausage (Optional): For a peppery, meaty addition—easily left out for a vegetarian version or swapped for your favorite protein.

Variations

One of the joys of Great Greek Pasta Salad is how easy it is to personalize! Whether you need to make it vegetarian, switch up veggies, or add your own finishing touch, don’t hesitate to get creative with swaps and add-ins.

• Go Vegetarian: Skip the pepperoni entirely, or add in chickpeas for extra protein and heartiness.
• Add Grilled Chicken: Toss in cooled grilled chicken strips to turn this into a one-bowl main dish for lunch or dinner.
• Try a Different Pasta: Rotini, penne, or bowties all work wonderfully and bring a fun twist to texture.
• Boost the Veggies: Use sliced cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra colors and flavors.

How to Make Great Greek Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente—don’t overcook! Once drained, rinse the pasta briefly under cold water to stop the cooking and keep it from sticking together. Spread it out to cool while you prep the other veggies.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, ground black pepper, and white sugar. This fragrant blend sets the stage for everything—the aroma alone will get your appetite going!

Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Toppings

As the pasta cools, slice the mushrooms, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the red bell peppers and green onions, and crumble your feta. If using pepperoni, slice it into bitesized strips. Drain the olives and have everything ready for tossing.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add the cooled pasta, all the sliced veggies, olives, feta, and pepperoni (if using) to the bowl with your homemade Greek dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly until every piece is glistening and evenly coated—you want that tangy dressing in every nook and cranny!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours (or overnight if planning ahead). This step is essential—it gives the ingredients time to mingle and develop that signature Great Greek Pasta Salad flavor. Give it a quick toss before serving and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean goodness!

How to Serve Great Greek Pasta Salad

Garnishes

Before serving, sprinkle your Great Greek Pasta Salad generously with extra crumbled feta and fresh-chopped parsley or dill. A final drizzle of olive oil and a few cracks of black pepper make the colors and flavors pop even more.

Side Dishes

This pasta salad is perfectly satisfying on its own, but it pairs like a dream with grilled chicken, lamb kabobs, or crispy falafel. For a breezy picnic, round it out with pita chips, hummus, and a platter of juicy watermelon.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Great Greek Pasta Salad heaped in a rustic ceramic bowl for family-style feasting, or spoon it into individual jars or cups for picnics and grab-and-go lunches—a colorful show-stopper on any table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Great Greek Pasta Salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If the pasta soaks up a little too much dressing overnight, just freshen it with an extra drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Freezing

Pasta salads like this one don’t freeze well, as the veggies can become watery and the cheese and pasta change texture. It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this Great Greek Pasta Salad is meant to be served cold or at cool room temperature, which makes it absolutely picnic-perfect!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into this Great Greek Pasta Salad—it’s sunshine in a bowl, brimming with color, crunch, and those unmistakable flavors of the Mediterranean. Whether it’s for a picnic, barbecue, or meal prep, you’re going to love every bite. Enjoy!

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