Greek Pasta Salad

by Jamie on July 1, 2011

Post image for Greek Pasta Salad

If you follow my nonsense on Facebook, you may have caught my post this morning asking which recipe you’d like to see tonight. The choices were this Greek Pasta Salad or a Ricotta Cheesecake.

I sat back and started to write the post for the Ricotta Cheesecake because I figured that would be the hands-down winner. By the time I got back from lunch, the verdict was in and for the first time in my life – I was wrong. Okay, I’m exaggerating…it’s more like the fifth time.

Clearly, you guys are looking for a simple and delicious recipe for the 4th of July weekend. If that’s the case, never fear…I’ve got you covered with this flavorful Greek Pasta Salad recipe.

The ingredient list may seem a little bit long, but the beauty about pasta salad recipes is that you can totally adapt them to meet your taste or the ingredients that you have on hand. And if you have a garden, you’re golden because it’s full of fresh vegetables.

The true star of this pasta salad is the incredible homemade Greek salad dressing that pulls all of the flavors together to create what is in my opinion, the best pasta salad you’ll ever eat. Definitely make it the night before you are going to serve it because it just gets better when the flavors have time to develop!

I hope this Greek Pasta Salad recipe is a last minute addition to your 4th of July barbeque. If you’re a cheesecake lover, I’ll be posting the Ricotta Cheesecake recipe tomorrow afternoon.

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Greek Pasta Salad

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

For the Dressing

1 cup olive oil
3/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons basil dried basil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons Za'atar*
1-1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons granulated sugar

For the Salad

1 pound rotini pasta cooked according to package directions
1 pint cherry tomatoes, cut in half (you can also sub in grape tomatoes)
1 large cucumber, seeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
4 green onions, thinly sliced
3/4 cup Kalamata olives
1-1/2 cups crumbled feta cheese
1 7-ounce pepperoni stick, sliced

Directions:

1. In a a large Mason jar or other sealable container, combine olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, basil, oregano, Za'atar black pepper, and sugar. Shake well to combine.

2. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, green onions, olives, feta cheese and pepperoni.

3. Separate and reserve ½ cup of dressing in the refrigerator.

4. Toss the pasta salad with the rest of the dressing until evenly coated. Cover, and chill overnight.

5. Right before serving, freshen the salad with the reserved dressing, tossing to coat.

Notes:

- Pasta salad is best made the night before it is served. Reserve about ½ cup of dressing in the refrigerator and freshen the salad before serving.
- This Greek Pasta Salad recipe is totally customizable. If you aren’t a fan of something on the ingredient list, substitute it with another vegetable. I have added mushrooms, artichoke hearts, and banana peppers to this recipe with great results.
- I highly recommend finding Za'atar. It’s such a great spice (a blend of sumac, sesame seeds and herbs) to have on hand. I love the brand Urban Accents because it’s flavorful and readily available at my local market.

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{ 37 comments… read them below or add one }

avatar 1 Blog is the New Black July 1, 2011 at 9:27 pm

Looks beautiful! I am making something similar soon, I may change my recipe a bit to use some inspiration from yours. Looks delish!

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avatar 2 Shawn July 1, 2011 at 9:40 pm

I was so happy to see this won that I think I squealed! I love the idea of ricotta cheesecake but not in this heat..so THANK YOU!
PS
Being wrong builds character, I should know..I have lots of it!

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avatar 3 Jamie July 1, 2011 at 9:46 pm

Shawn–
Ha! I am wrong more times than I care to admit! So I’m thinking, I have a lot of character as well! :)
–Jamie

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avatar 4 Hannah at FleurDeLicious July 1, 2011 at 9:46 pm

YUM. I love Za’atar. I like to brush pita or flatbread with olive oil, sprinkle on some za’atar, and grill it up….such a great blend of flavors. This sounds like such a fantastic, easy, flavorful recipe! I’ll have to include it in my 4th of July menu!

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avatar 5 Katie | GoodLife Eats July 1, 2011 at 9:49 pm

This looks so refreshing for summer!

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avatar 6 Rachel July 1, 2011 at 9:56 pm

So excited to try this recipe!

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avatar 7 Mellie July 1, 2011 at 10:02 pm

This looks awesome! I’ve never tried Za’atar

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avatar 8 Ann July 1, 2011 at 10:03 pm

Nicely done – it looks delicious! I wouldn’t think of you as wrong so much as….flexible!

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avatar 9 Tabitha July 2, 2011 at 12:31 am

This looks so delightful! Sadly, I’m deathly allergic to sesame. So, what would you recommend I use in place of the Za’atar?

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avatar 10 Glory/ Glorious Treats July 2, 2011 at 12:32 am

Yum, this looks like a perfect lunch to me!! Just perfect for summer!

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avatar 11 Sarah @ pão e queijo July 2, 2011 at 12:35 am

I’m glad the greek pasta salad won- this looks amazing! I’m drooling over the photo right now!

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avatar 12 Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen July 2, 2011 at 3:30 am

Love that vinaigrette! The addition of Za’atar is one I have yet to try.

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avatar 13 Karinvd July 2, 2011 at 4:09 am

Great looking salad and I love those forks! I never saw forks like that. Are they antique?

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avatar 14 Maris(In Good Taste) July 2, 2011 at 4:25 am

I think the right guy won for this holiday weekend! Beautiful healthy salad! I will look forward to the ricotta cheesecake soon. By the way, love the fork!

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avatar 15 Lillebi July 2, 2011 at 6:34 am

Oh yes, I know what you mean. Sometimes I blog a very simple recipe don’t expect anyone to comment and suddenly get the greatest response.

Anyway, this greek pasta salad looks amazing! I also made a colourful pasta salad a few days ago and I think you can never have enough recipes. :-)

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avatar 16 Vimitha July 2, 2011 at 9:41 am

Gorgeous and colorful salad… Loved the dressing…

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avatar 17 Margaret July 2, 2011 at 12:20 pm

There is nothing better than a cooled pasta salad for any day in the summer. This ones looks delicious.

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avatar 18 Lynne @ 365 Days of Baking July 2, 2011 at 1:35 pm

What a wonderful dinner on a hot summer’s day! Love anything Greek!

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avatar 19 Savorique July 2, 2011 at 1:44 pm

This is a very nice, simple, refreshing salad recipe, so suitable for the season, but we also look forward to the ricotta cheesecake recipe soon! Cheese cakes made of ricotta are amazing, less creamy, thicker and with no “dairy” aftertaste. Can’t wait for both the recipe and the beautiful pics.

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avatar 20 Marya July 2, 2011 at 2:11 pm

THANKS for thinking of us CHEESECAKE LOVERS and posting that recipe tomorrow!

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avatar 21 sweetsugarbelle July 2, 2011 at 5:22 pm

On my list along with the mini bundts. Beautiful. Stumbled!

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avatar 22 Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies July 3, 2011 at 5:13 pm

Mmmmmmm. That is all.

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avatar 23 Maureen July 4, 2011 at 3:33 am

Now this is my kind of salad. I could eat this non-stop and your photos are fantastic! They make me hungry right this minute.

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avatar 24 Tracy July 4, 2011 at 2:39 pm

What a lovely variation on traditional pasta salad!

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avatar 25 Lenore July 7, 2011 at 4:03 pm

I love pasta salad of any kind, and this looks so yummy. It looks like it’d be great for a picnic.

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avatar 26 Megan July 10, 2011 at 10:16 pm

You have inspired me to make pasta salad this week! Love the look of this!

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avatar 27 Julie August 15, 2011 at 11:44 am

Please give us a substitute for the Za’tar seasoning !! I forgot to post this before now……and am making the Greek Pasta Salad right now !!!!
I want to order some Za’tar, just haven’t done it.
Thanks !!

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avatar 28 Jamie August 15, 2011 at 11:55 am

Julie-
Za’atar is generally prepared using ground dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, or some combination thereof, mixed with toasted sesame seeds, and salt. You can use Oregano, Basil and a little Thyme or Italian Seasoning. Just gradually add it to taste.
-Jamie

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avatar 29 Charlotte Ferreux October 13, 2011 at 12:00 am

I love this recipe and blog…I posted it on my community foodie blog. Hope you can come check it out http://www.facebook.com/thefrenchiefoodie

Also, feel free to post you’re recipes or you’re favourite foodie tips on it whenever you like!

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avatar 30 Jill October 13, 2011 at 12:21 pm

I am so excited for this recipe! I have been trying to search for this recipe for so long. I made it for a home ec. project in high school and loved it but didn’t keep the recipe so I am so excited!!! Thank you so much for sharing!!

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avatar 31 Tumtum October 22, 2011 at 1:09 am

This looks and sounds so delicious. I just had a very delicious bowl of pasta salad yesterday at bonni ruths and wanted to try making one my own. I cannot wait to try your recipe. Thank you!

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avatar 32 Rickie May 13, 2012 at 9:22 pm

I cannot tolerate feta. What might you suggest as a substitute?

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avatar 33 Jenn May 26, 2012 at 11:39 am

Looking forward to trying this, he homemade greek dressing got me! Don’t have Za’atar, but will substitute as you stated above with a little added lemon zest too.

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avatar 34 Lynn J May 27, 2012 at 1:19 am

This looks so good! I would still love the cheesecake recipe too. I will be trying the salad this weekend. Thanks!

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avatar 35 ERC June 4, 2012 at 12:31 pm

Great Recipe.
One of my favorites.
Another item that I add in mine that adds a unique texture and flavor and I think marries well is some chopped walnuts. It sounds like an odd pairing, but trust me it works.

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avatar 36 Kristie June 9, 2012 at 10:58 am

What cheese can you use to replace the feta cheese? Not a big feta or blue cheese fan.

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avatar 37 Jamie June 12, 2012 at 11:25 am

Kristie-
I think you could add in little cubes of cheddar, mozzarella or pepperjack! Any of those would be just delicious. Thanks for stopping by.
-Jamie

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