Greek Pasta Salad

Every summer cookout needs some kind of pasta salad. There are all kinds of pasta salad recipes out there, including Ree Drummond's favorite macaroni salad, meaty chicken pasta salad, and tuna pasta salad. But if you're a big fan of a classic Greek salad, you'll fall even more in love with it when it's tossed with bow tie pasta! This picnic side dish is loaded with fresh veggies, briny olives, fragrant herbs, and creamy feta for a flavor explosion. The simple, stir-together lemon dressing ties it all together! Bring it to a potluck as is, or beef up this salad with grilled chicken or grilled shrimp skewers to turn it into a full family meal. Everyone will adore this make-ahead dish, no matter how it's served!.

What should I put in pasta salad?

There are no rules for a pasta salad—it can be as loaded or as simple as you like! Not a fan of olives? Leave them out. Love fresh peppers? Chop them up and toss them in! Only have penne pasta instead of bow ties? No problem! Pasta salads are so flexible and easy to throw together, but if you're looking for tips on which ingredients to use, follow these suggestions:

1. Pasta: Any pasta shape will work, but we especially love hearty pastas that don't get too soft, like the bow ties used here. You can also use penne, fusilli, shells, macaroni—there are tons of pasta options! 

2. Veggies: Chop your veggies in roughly the same size to make it easier for eating. You can add anything crunchy or colorful to the mix—or stick with a seasonal ingredient or theme, like this one inspired by Greek salad. You can add anything from tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers to broccoli, carrots, and kale.

3. Protein: Whether it's a vegetarian protein like beans (chickpeas, kidney beans, or edamame) or cheese (crumbled feta, diced mozzarella, or cubes of cheddar), or a meaty option like diced chicken or salami, these hearty mix-ins will add heft to your pasta salad.

4. Other mix-ins: Flavorful extras bring life to your pasta salad. Anything from olives or capers to fresh herbs or lemon zest. These small but mighty pops of flavor will really make your pasta shine.

What's in Greek pasta salad dressing?

This recipe keeps the dressing light and bright! There's olive oil, some punchy red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, and oregano for some herb (and very Greek) flavor. The best part about this dressing? You probably already have the ingredients in your pantry! Plus, there's no mayo, so you can have no fear carrying this refreshing side to all your summer cookouts.  

Should you rinse pasta for pasta salad?

Yes! In fact, the only time you should rinse pasta after it's cooked is when you're using it in cold dishes like this pasta salad. By rinsing the pasta in cold water, you're washing away some of the starchiness ensuring the pasta won't clump up or stick together. 

Should you let pasta cool before making pasta salad?

Yes, especially when making this recipe. Hot pasta can cause the other ingredients in Greek pasta salad to wilt, so be sure to let it cool completely before tossing it in. Rinsing the pasta with cold water will help speed things along! 

Is it okay to make pasta salad the day before?

Not only is it okay, but it's encouraged! It's often better to prep everything the day before, because pasta salad gets better the longer it sits and melds together with the dressing. Just be sure to save a little extra dressing on the side to drizzle over when ready to serve.

How long does pasta salad last in the fridge?

This recipe makes plenty, so you may have some leftovers. That just means you've got lunch covered for the next few days! Stored in an airtight container or covered tightly with plastic wrap, Greek pasta salad will stay fresh for up to four days.