Discover the vibrant flavors of this Greek-Inspired Whole Grain Pasta Salad that’s perfect for any occasion! Packed with fresh vegetables, briny olives, and creamy feta, this colorful dish is both delicious and nutritious. With simple steps to create your tasty salad, it’s ideal for meal prep or gatherings. Click through to explore the full recipe and learn how to make this refreshing salad that will impress your guests!
8 oz whole grain pasta (fusilli or penne are excellent choices)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced into bite-sized pieces
1 bell pepper (your choice of color), diced for a pop of color
½ red onion, finely chopped for a hint of sweetness
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved for brininess
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled for creaminess
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped for freshness
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil for richness
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional; substitute with lemon juice for a zing)
1 teaspoon dried oregano for aromatic flavor
Salt and pepper to taste
![To make a vibrant Greek pasta salad, gather these key ingredients: - 8 oz whole grain pasta (fusilli or penne work well) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 medium cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper, diced - ½ red onion, chopped - 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lemon juice) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients create a mix that bursts with flavor and color. Whole grain pasta adds fiber and nutrients. Fresh vegetables bring crunch and vitamins. Feta cheese adds a creamy touch and saltiness. This salad is not just tasty; it is also packed with nutrition. Whole grain pasta gives you energy and fiber. Fresh veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers offer vitamins and antioxidants. Kalamata olives are rich in healthy fats. Feta cheese provides protein and calcium. Each serving contains: - High fiber content from whole grain pasta - Vitamins A and C from tomatoes and bell peppers - Heart-healthy fats from olives and olive oil This salad is a great choice for a healthy meal that keeps you full and satisfied. You can customize your salad with these optional add-ins: - 1 cup cooked chickpeas for extra protein - Grilled chicken for a heartier option - Artichoke hearts for a tangy twist - Spinach or arugula for more greens - Avocado for creaminess and healthy fats These add-ins allow you to make the dish your own. Mix and match based on your taste and dietary needs. Each addition brings its own flair to this delightful Greek pasta salad. For detailed preparation steps, check the Full Recipe. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt for flavor. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of whole grain pasta. I like using fusilli or penne. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down. While the pasta cooks, grab your knife and cutting board. Chop 1 cup of cherry tomatoes in half. Dice 1 medium cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Chop 1 bell pepper, any color you like. Finely chop ½ of a red onion. Finally, cut 1 cup of Kalamata olives in half. Place all these colorful veggies into a large mixing bowl. They add great flavor and texture. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil and 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar. You can use lemon juice if you prefer a zippier taste. Add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano for a nice aroma. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth and blended. Next, gently add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the veggies. Toss everything together carefully with your hands or a spatula. This ensures that every piece is coated in flavor. Now, sprinkle 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese and ¼ cup of fresh parsley on top. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss once more. This is where all the flavors come together! For the best taste, cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. If you want the full recipe, check out the details above. To cook pasta perfectly, start with a large pot of water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. This helps the pasta taste better. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Use whole grain pasta for a healthy touch. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should still have a firm bite. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down quickly. Chilling your pasta salad is key to enhancing the flavors. Once you mix all the ingredients, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This time lets the flavors blend well. If you have more time, chill it for an hour or more. Just remember, the longer you chill, the tastier it gets! Fresh herbs make a big difference in your salad's taste. Parsley adds a fresh touch and brightens the dish. You can also try fresh basil or mint for a new twist. Chop the herbs finely and sprinkle them over the salad just before serving. This keeps them vibrant and aromatic. The fresh herbs will bring your Healthy Greek Pasta Salad to life. They offer a burst of flavor that will impress everyone at the table. For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can change the whole grain pasta for gluten-free pasta. Gluten-free pasta works well with this salad. It gives you a similar taste and texture. Just follow the cooking time on the package. You will still have a healthy and tasty meal. For more protein, add canned chickpeas or grilled chicken. Chickpeas add fiber and nutrients. Rinse and drain them before mixing into the salad. For grilled chicken, cook it until it’s golden. Then, chop it into small pieces. This will make your salad heartier and keep you full. To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. You can use avocado for creaminess. Another option is to add a vegan cheese. It provides a similar taste without dairy. Ensure you check the ingredient list to keep it plant-based. These simple swaps keep the salad fresh and flavorful. Try these variations to make your Healthy Greek Pasta Salad unique and fun! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftover Greek pasta salad, first, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the salad fresh and prevents it from drying out. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to label the container with the date. This way, you’ll know when to use it. Freezing Greek pasta salad isn’t recommended. The veggies and feta may lose their texture and taste when thawed. However, if you must freeze it, leave out fresh ingredients like tomatoes and cucumbers. Store the base of the salad in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheating Greek pasta salad is simple. If you prefer it warm, add it to a pan over low heat. Stir gently until it warms through. Avoid high heat to keep the veggies crunchy. If the salad has been in the fridge, you can enjoy it cold as well. Just give it a good toss with a little olive oil to freshen it up. For the full recipe, check out the vibrant Greek-inspired whole grain pasta salad! To make a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many options, like rice or quinoa pasta. Cook it just as you would regular pasta. Use the same ingredients for the salad. This way, you still enjoy the fresh flavors without gluten. Yes, you can prepare this salad a day ahead. Make the salad and store it in the fridge. The flavors will blend well overnight. Just remember to add the feta just before serving for the best taste. If you want a feta substitute, try goat cheese. It adds a nice creaminess. You can also use vegan feta for a dairy-free option. Crumbled tofu can work too, giving a similar texture without the dairy. Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge for several days. You can pack it in individual containers for easy lunches. Just ensure you store the dressing separately for freshness until you're ready to eat. For the full recipe, follow the details provided above! In this blog post, we explored the ingredients for a Healthy Greek Pasta Salad. We discussed key ingredients, nutritional highlights, and optional add-ins. I shared step-by-step instructions, tips for cooking, and variations for dietary needs. Finally, I covered storage methods and answered common FAQs. Making this salad is simple and fun. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or storing leftovers, this dish is a tasty choice. Enjoy the flavors and nourish your body with this healthy recipe.](https://joymealplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/b0373296-86bf-4053-9c3f-2e765b8fd918-300x300.webp)