Greek Pasta Salad Recipe: Mediterranean Flavors in Every Bite

Name: Ritas Kitchen
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup thinly sliced red onion (from about 1/4 of a large or 1/2 of a small red onion); 1 lb pasta, cooked and cooled; 1 cup kalamata olives, halved; 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 persian cucumbers, sliced into half moons; 1 red bell peppers, chopped; 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, torn; 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves; 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn; 1 8-oz block feta cheese, cut into thick slices (or, 8 oz crumbled feta); 1/4 cup red wine vinegar; 1 tbsp dijon mustard; 1 tbsp dried mint; 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil; 1 cup panko bread crumbs; Lots of salt; Juice of 1/2 lemon (~2 tbsp)

Saying hello to pasta salad season with this vibrant dish that’s fresh, crunchy, creamy, and delicious. Inspired by classic Greek salad, it’s bursting with flavor and oh so refreshing.

By Rita Kokshanian Mashkova

@saturdaytable

June 10, 2024

By Rita Kokshanian Mashkova

Ingredients

1

cup thinly sliced red onion (from about 1/4 of a large or 1/2 of a small red onion)
1

lb pasta, cooked and cooled
1

cup kalamata olives, halved
1

pint cherry tomatoes, halved
2

persian cucumbers, sliced into half moons
1

red bell peppers, chopped
1/2

cup fresh mint leaves, torn
1/4

cup fresh oregano leaves
1/4

cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1

8-oz block feta cheese, cut into thick slices (or, 8 oz crumbled feta)
Dressing:
1/4

cup red wine vinegar
1

tbsp dijon mustard
1

tbsp dried mint
1/2

cup extra virgin olive oil
1

cup panko bread crumbs
Lots of salt
Juice of 1/2 lemon (~2 tbsp)

Instructions

TOTAL TIME

40 Minutes

4-8 servings

For more fresh and vibrant Greek-inspired salads, discover the classic Horiatiki Greek Salad, and our Greek Chickpea Salad.

A bowl of rigatoni pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, fresh mint leaves, red onions, and a thick slice of feta cheese topped with cracked black pepper, garnished with a mint leaf.

STEP 1: Make the Dressing

To make the dressing, whisk together all ingredients except olive oil.

An overhead view of bowls containing chopped red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs including mint, oregano, and basil, all arranged on a wooden table.

STEP 2: Emulsify the Dressing

Carefully drizzle in olive oil while whisking to create a smooth emulsification.

A speckled mixing bowl with whisk and dressing, a jar of salt, a glass of dark liquid, and a wooden board with a knife and sliced red onion.

STEP 3: Marinate the Onions

Add sliced red onions to dressing, mix, and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

A bowl with fresh salad ingredients: cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, chopped red bell pepper, olives, and a generous amount of fresh mint and oregano leaves, all arranged on top of pasta.

STEP 4: Combine with Pasta and Vegetables

After onions have marinated, add cooled pasta, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell pepper, mint, oregano, and basil. Mix well.

STEP 5: Serve with Feta

Divide into bowls and top each with either a slice of feta or a handful of crumbled feta. Garnish with additional herbs, freshly ground pepper, and olive oil. Enjoy!