Description
This Easy Greek Style Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer meals or potlucks. Featuring tender bow tie pasta, juicy mini tomatoes, crisp bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a tangy and flavorful homemade dressing with fresh dill, garlic, and a hint of honey. It’s a delightful combination of Mediterranean flavors that’s simple to prepare and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 16 oz bow tie pasta (or any medium pasta)
- 10 oz mini tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
Cheese and Herbs
- 7 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons mayo or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, mayo (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, honey, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, vinegar, or honey if needed for your desired flavor balance.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, halved mini tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, green bell pepper slices, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh dill. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Serve: Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature for a perfect side dish or light meal.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter, tangier dressing.
- Chill the salad for a couple of hours to enhance the flavors before serving.
- Feel free to add cucumber or red bell pepper for extra crunch and color.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Adjust salt carefully if your feta cheese is already salty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Keywords: Greek pasta salad, easy pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, feta pasta salad, summer salad
