Name: Summertime Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb bow tie pasta; 3-4 cups baby spring greens; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup English cucumber, quartered and thinly sliced; 1 ripe avocado, diced; 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, halved; 1/4 cup pitted castelvetrano olives, halved; 1 tablespoon fresh basil, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced; 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon coarse salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe

There is something irresistibly vibrant and refreshing about a Summertime Greek Pasta Salad that makes it the ultimate go-to dish for sunny days and warm evenings. Imagine crisp bow tie pasta mingling effortlessly with crisp baby spring greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, briny olives, and tangy feta cheese—all brought together by a zesty herb-infused vinaigrette. This salad is the perfect harmony of textures and flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser at picnics, barbecues, or even as a simple lunch. If you’re craving a dish that’s both nourishing and bursting with Mediterranean charm, this Summertime Greek Pasta Salad is sure to brighten your table and your mood.

Summertime Greek Pasta Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of its straightforward, fresh ingredients, each playing a crucial role in delivering that classic Mediterranean taste and delightful texture you expect from a Greek salad combined with pasta. Every item is chosen to balance the richness, punch, and freshness making this salad unbeatable on a hot summer day.

Bow tie pasta: Holds the dressing well and creates a fun texture with its shape.
Baby spring greens: Adds a tender crunch and vibrant green color to lighten the dish.
Cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness balance the salty ingredients perfectly.
English cucumber: Adds coolness and a refreshing crisp bite.
Ripe avocado: Creamy texture that brings richness without overpowering flavors.
Feta cheese: The quintessential Greek salad ingredient for tanginess and salt.
Kalamata olives: Briny and bold, providing depth and color contrast.
Castelvetrano olives: Milder and buttery olives add a lovely nuance.
Fresh basil and oregano: Herbs infuse the salad with fragrant, garden-fresh flavors.
Extra virgin olive oil: The heart of the vinaigrette, giving richness and smoothness.
White wine vinegar: Adds a sharp, bright note to balance the oil.
Mustard: Helps emulsify the dressing while adding subtle heat.
Coarse salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors to life.

How to Make Summertime Greek Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt seasons the pasta as it cooks, which is key since the pasta itself should carry some flavor. Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente—meaning tender but still with a little bite. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down quickly. This step is crucial to prevent the pasta from sticking and ensures a refreshing temperature perfect for the salad.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Vinaigrette

While the pasta is cooling, make the vinaigrette by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This dressing is the magic that ties all the ingredients together, delivering a balanced, tangy, and smooth coating that enhances the natural flavors rather than masking them. Whisking emulsifies the dressing so it clings beautifully to each bite.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Toss

Now for the fun part—assembling the salad. In a large bowl, add the chilled pasta, baby spring greens, halved cherry tomatoes, quartered and thinly sliced English cucumber, diced ripe avocado, crumbled feta cheese, and both types of olives. Sprinkle in the freshly minced basil and oregano for that unmistakable Greek aroma and flavor. Pour the vinaigrette over all these fresh ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Add salt and pepper to taste and give it a final toss. This salad is best served chilled to keep the ingredients crisp and refreshing.

How to Serve Summertime Greek Pasta Salad

Garnishes

To elevate your Summertime Greek Pasta Salad experience, consider garnishing with a few extra fresh herb leaves, such as a sprig of oregano or basil, or a light dusting of crumbled feta on top. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds a subtle sheen and an extra layer of flavor. These simple touches make the dish feel special and inviting.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats like lemon herb chicken or lamb kebabs for a complete Mediterranean feast. You can also serve it alongside warm pita bread or roasted vegetables for a comforting vegetarian meal. Its bright and vibrant nature complements heavier dishes perfectly without overpowering them.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve the Summertime Greek Pasta Salad in transparent glass bowls or mason jars to showcase all the colorful layers. Alternatively, hollow out a large tomato or cucumber to use as an edible serving bowl. For parties, pack the salad in individual small containers or cups for easy grab-and-go servings that will look as fresh as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep it chilled and consume within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture. Keep in mind that the avocado might darken a little, so adding the avocado just before serving if you plan to store it longer can help keep the salad looking fresh.

Freezing

Freezing the Summertime Greek Pasta Salad is not recommended as the fresh vegetables and dressing typically don’t hold up well after being frozen and thawed. The texture will likely become watery and mushy, which isn’t ideal for this crisp, fresh dish.

Reheating

Since this salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, reheating is not necessary. Instead, simply take the salad out of the fridge and let it sit for about 10 minutes to soften the flavors slightly before serving again. This way you preserve the fresh crunch and vibrant taste powdering the dish.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for the Summertime Greek Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! While bow tie pasta is classic for this recipe, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or farfalle. Just make sure the pasta holds the vinaigrette well and isn’t too small or thin.

How do I keep the avocado from browning in the salad?

Using ripe but firm avocados helps slow browning. Additionally, tossing the avocado with a bit of lemon juice before adding it to the salad or adding it just before serving ensures it stays fresh and green.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?

Yes, but to maintain freshness, store the components separately—like dressing, avocado, and pasta. Combine them just before eating to enjoy the best flavor and texture.

Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Definitely! The vinaigrette can be whisked up a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir or shake before using as it may separate slightly upon resting.

What if I want a vegan version of the Summertime Greek Pasta Salad?

Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese alternative or toasted nuts for a delicious, creamy element without dairy. The rest of the salad flavors hold beautifully on their own.

Final Thoughts

Summertime Greek Pasta Salad is one of those joyful, versatile dishes that celebrates fresh ingredients and simple preparation, making it perfect for any occasion where sunshine and good food come together. I can’t recommend enough giving this vibrant salad a try—it’s a fantastic way to bring a Mediterranean breeze to your table and brighten up your meals. Once you’ve made it, it just might become your summer staple too!

Summertime Greek Pasta Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing and vibrant Summertime Greek Pasta Salad combining al dente bow tie pasta with fresh baby greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, creamy avocado, briny olives, and crumbled feta cheese, all tossed in a light and zesty homemade vinaigrette seasoned with fresh herbs.

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until al dente following the package instructions. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water to cool, and chill until ready to use.
Prepare Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, white wine vinegar, mustard, coarse salt, and ground black pepper until well emulsified to create a zesty vinaigrette.
Toss Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chilled pasta, baby spring greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, diced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, castelvetrano olives, fresh basil, and fresh oregano. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Notes

For best flavor, chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant taste; dried herbs may be used in a pinch but reduce quantity by half.
Avocado can brown quickly, so add it just before serving to maintain its bright color.
Substitute bow tie pasta with other small shapes like rotini or penne if preferred.
This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days but is freshest when served within 24 hours.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Boiling and Tossing
Cuisine: Greek