Greek pasta salad olives feta (Print-Friendly)

Mediterranean pasta with tangy feta, olives, and fresh vegetables, perfect for light meals or outdoor dining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 8 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium cucumber, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
05 - 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced

→ Olives & Cheese

06 - 2/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
07 - 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled

→ Dressing

08 - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
09 - 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Fresh Herbs

13 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# How To Make It:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cucumber, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
04 - Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
05 - Sprinkle with chopped parsley. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It actually tastes better the next day when the flavors have gotten to know each other in the fridge.
  • You can make it ahead for picnics without stressing about last-minute prep.
  • It feels fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a Tuesday lunch.
02 -
  • If you skip the chilling time, you'll have a sad, warm salad with flavors that haven't spoken to each other yet—the fridge is not optional.
  • Rinse your pasta after cooking; warm pasta will continue cooking slightly and turn mushy if you don't cool it down fast.
03 -
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing for an extra zing that makes people ask what you did differently.
  • If you're feeding people with dietary restrictions, this adapts beautifully—swap feta for vegan cheese or use gluten-free pasta without losing the soul of the dish.
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