Greek-Inspired Chopped Pasta Salad with Creamy Feta Dressing
A Greek-Inspired Chopped Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful, and satisfying dish combining tender pasta with crunchy vegetables, salty olives, and a rich creamy feta dressing. Inspired by classic Greek salad flavors, this salad blends Mediterranean ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese with pasta to make a filling meal or side dish.
It’s perfect for summer lunches, picnics, potlucks, or meal prep, and the creamy feta dressing adds a tangy, savory flavor that coats every bite.
Time Required
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4–6 servings
Ingredients
For the Pasta Salad
3 cups short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
½ cup bell pepper, chopped
½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Feta Dressing
¾ cup feta cheese
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 garlic clove
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
2–3 tbsp water (to thin dressing)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes).
Drain and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta.
Prepare the Vegetables
While the pasta cools:
Dice cucumber
Slice cherry tomatoes
Chop red onion and bell pepper
Slice olives
Chop parsley
Place all vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
Make the Creamy Feta Dressing
In a blender or food processor combine:
feta cheese
Greek yogurt
olive oil
lemon juice
garlic
oregano
salt and pepper
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Add a little water to reach a pourable dressing consistency.
4️⃣ Assemble the Salad
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with vegetables.
Pour the creamy feta dressing over the salad.
Toss well until everything is evenly coated.
5️⃣ Add Final Toppings
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley over the top.
Chill in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs well with:
grilled chicken
grilled shrimp
roasted vegetables
warm pita bread
It can be served as:
a main meal
a side dish
a meal prep lunch
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 360 kcal
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fat: 15 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours because the flavors blend together.
2. What pasta works best?
Short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne works best because it holds the dressing well.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
It already is vegetarian. Just ensure the feta cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
4. Can I add protein?
Yes. Great additions include:
grilled chicken
chickpeas
tuna
grilled shrimp
5. How long does it last in the fridge?
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
6. Can I make it lighter?
Yes. Replace half of the feta with more Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.