Greek Pasta Salad
Published May 23, 2013•Updated Apr 26, 2023
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This Greek pasta salad is satisfying in all the best ways. Tomatoes and basil add fresh flavor and color. The salty olives and feta cheese are balanced with my Sweet Basil Vinaigrette.
How is it already Memorial Day weekend? By late May here we need very little excuse to have a barbecue, hang out by the pool, and sip cold drinks. We’re also several weeks in to seeking out meals that can be served chilled or at room temperature.
We’ve got lots of relaxing and hanging out to do this weekend, but we’ll also likely be eating what may be my favorite summer dish – the Greek pasta salad. I’ve got big plans for pasta salads this summer, like my classic Instant Pot Pasta Salad and so many others. I want to load them up with fresh things, good cheese, bright herbs, and in the case of this particular version, a Sweet Basil Vinaigrette that brings it all together.
I was so sad to see this Greek pasta salad go last week that I’m planning to make more tomorrow. The salty feta and kalamata olives are a great balance to the sweetness of the dressing. I couldn’t get enough. Oh, and those pasta shapes are orecchiette. I highly recommend orecchiette for your next pasta salad. They form such perfect little bowls for all of that delicious pasta salad dressing. It’s delicious.
Pull up a bowl of this Greek pasta salad and enjoy the weekend! I know we will. 🙂
More Salad Recipes
- Apple, Brie and Pecan Salad
- Sesame Noodle Salad
- Watermelon, Feta and Arugula Salad
- Bacon, Corn and Avocado Salad
- Instant Pot Italian Pasta Salad
- BBQ Chicken Salad
- Pasta Salad with Creamy Chipotle Dressing
- Green Papaya Salad (Som Tam)
- Slow Cooker Carnitas Taco Salad
- Pesto Pasta Salad
- Thai Chopped Chicken Salad with Peanut Vinaigrette
Favorite Tools
- 6-inch Global Knife
- Cutting Board
- Cuisinart Stockpot with Strainer
- Anchor 3-Piece Glass Mixing Bowls
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Greek Pasta Salad with Feta, Tomato, Kalamata Olives and Sweet Basil Vinaigrette
Equipment
- Stockpot or Large Saucepan
- Large Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb Orecchiette Pasta (or other pasta of choice)
- 1 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups Crumbled Feta Cheese
- 1 cup pitted Kalamata Olives, sliced
- 10 leaves fresh Italian Sweet Basil, roughly chopped
- 1 recipe Sweet Basil Vinaigrette
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. When cooked, drain and run under cool water. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and add the olive oil. Toss well to coat the pasta in oil.
- Add all remaining ingredients, except for Sweet Basil Vinaigrette. Toss gently to combine.
- Add half of the Sweet Basil Vinaigrette and toss to evenly coat the pasta in dressing. Refrigerate the pasta and the remaining vinaigrette for at least an hour and up to a day. Just before serving, add the remaining half of the vinaigrette and toss gently. Serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Hi! Making this pasta salad today and my orecchiettes stuck together while cooking! I stirred continuously and still had a big issue. I have to go get a new pasta and will scrap the orecchiette but I thought it was worth mentioning for others who are trying this recipe.
Amy – what a disappointment! I do have to stir my orecchiette right when I drop them in the boiling water to keep them from sticking, but I’ve never had as much trouble as this. Hope you were able to save it with another type of pasta. Thanks for writing in with the word of caution for others.
This pasta salads sounds delicious and flavorful! I love the addition of kalamata olives…they’re a favorite of mine!
Yummy!!!! Just made it and can’t wait to eat it later……. thinking about adding fresh garlic to the dressing as well!
Kathleen – fresh garlic would be a great addition – I’ll definitely have to try that next time I make it!
Thanks Jess….. It was delicious!!! Definitely a keeper. I am making more for an outing on Thursday!
This is such a pretty pasta salad. Perfect to bring to a BBQ I’m attending this weekend. 🙂 Hope you’re having a lovely weekend Jess.
This looks AMAZING, Jess. I’ll be making this today! Keep the salad recipes coming. I hate using the stove, too, when it’s hot out.
What a lovely pasta salad. I’ll be planting tomatoes in a week or so and later this summer they will be delicious in this salad.
Can’t wait to see more of your pasta salad creations Jess. You know I’m not a salad eater but if it’s based on carbs… please hand me a fork!
This is totally my kind of pasta salad. Great flavors, Jess!
Love the feta in this too! Sounds delicious : ) Have a great holiday weekend Jess!
Thank you, Jess for the lovely salad. I just need the dressing now. Thanks you and have a great day!