In the summer, when the temperatures rise, we all crave freshness and simplicity on our plates. And if there’s one cuisine that knows how to marry both, it’s Greek cuisine! Today, I’m bringing you a Greek-inspired penne pasta salad! Greek Pasta Salad: a complete, colorful, healthy, and flavorful dish that brings vacation vibes to your table.

It’s a twist on the classic Greek salad, where pasta replaces lettuce for a more filling meal—perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or even a buffet.

Why This Greek Pasta Salad Stands Out

This salad combines everything we love:
✔️ Crunchy cucumbers
✔️ Juicy tomatoes
✔️ Creamy feta
✔️ Briny olives
✔️ Hearty pasta for energy

The lemony olive oil dressing, subtly flavored with garlic and mustard, enhances all the ingredients without weighing them down.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

300 g penne pasta
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced into strips then diced
½ cucumber, sliced into rounds then quartered
100–125 g feta cheese, cut into thick slices then cubed
100 g Kalamata olives, pitted
200 g cherry tomatoes, halved
5 g fresh oregano
50 ml mayonnaise
30 ml olive oil
10 ml mustard
20 ml lemon juice
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Tip: Adjust the amount of dressing depending on how creamy you like your pasta salads. These quantities are just a guideline!

How to Cook Pasta for a Salad

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne al dente according to the package instructions (usually about 10–11 minutes).
Drain and rinse under cold water immediately to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
Drain well to avoid watering down the salad.

Creamy Mediterranean-Style Dressing

In a small bowl or blender, combine the mayonnaise, olive oil, mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh oregano.
Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.

This sauce is creamy, citrusy, infused with oregano, and slightly zesty thanks to garlic and mustard. It’s the perfect match for the bold Greek flavors.

Assembly – A Colorful Bowl of Goodness

In a large bowl, combine the cooled penne, red onion, bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cubes.

Pour the dressing over the salad.
Gently toss to coat all the ingredients without breaking the feta.

Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.

This Greek-inspired salad pairs beautifully with a variety of fresh dishes. For more bright, summer-ready flavors, try our Fusilli Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes or the creamy, zesty Tuna Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette. Add crunch with Homemade Garlic Croutons or serve it alongside Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo for a more filling meal.

Tips and Tricks

Add protein: Grilled chicken, canned tuna, or chickpeas make it a more complete meal.
Customize your veggies: Add thin slices of raw zucchini or a handful of arugula.
Crunch factor: Sprinkle with toasted nuts, pine nuts, or homemade croutons.
Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free penne (corn, rice, or lentil-based).
Vegan option: Swap feta for vegan cheese or omit it entirely.

FAQ – Greek Pasta Salad

Can I make it the day before?
Yes! It’s even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Can I freeze this salad?
No. Freezing will negatively affect the texture of the tomatoes, cucumber, and pasta.

What olives work best?
Kalamata olives are ideal for this recipe, but green olives can be used if you prefer a milder taste.

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Fusilli, farfalle, or even orzo (rice-shaped pasta) all work beautifully.

Do kids like this recipe?
Yes, especially with a little less garlic and finely chopped ingredients. You can swap out the olives if needed.

More Light and Creamy Pasta Dishes

Fusilli Pasta Salad with Sun-Dried Tomatoes — sunshine in a bowl.
Tuna Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette — fresh, creamy, and full of flavor.
Creamy Pasta Salad with Bell Peppers — colorful and picnic-friendly.
Homemade Garlic Croutons — crunchy, garlicky, and perfect with any salad.
Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo — for a creamy and satisfying dinner pairing.

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