Greek Pasta Salad for a Crowd ~

Easy make ahead side dish with tender pasta, fresh veggies, black olives, and creamy feta cheese.

Table of Contents

Mediterranean Pasta Salad

I like this easy Greek pasta salad recipe because it’s a crowd-pleasing side dish that can be made ahead and is best served at room temperature; great for taking to summer cookouts or potlucks.

Ingredients for Greek Pasta Salad for a Crowd

You will need the following:

8 cups medium-sized pasta, such as farfalle or penne pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup yellow onion
1/4 tablespoon garlic, minced
4 cups green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
4 cups red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup black olives, sliced
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups feta cheese, crumbled

Ingredient Notes

Pasta – I Iike farfalle (bow tie pasta) for its fun shape. This recipe works well with any medium-size pasta, such as farfalle, penne, fusilli, or rotini pasta.
Olive Oil – Use extra-virgin olive oil for best flavor.
Yellow Onion – Yellow onions add flavor that complements the dish without overpowering it.
Garlic – The garlic should be finely miinced to distribute its flavor throughout the salad evenly.
Bell Peppers – Red peppers and green bell peppers were used in this recipe. Yellow or orange peppers can be used but the flavor will be milder.
Black Olives – While black olives are recommended, Greek olives such as Kalamata olives can be substituted, though these extra briny olives may impart a slightly more bitter taste.
Oregano – Dried oregano is preferred for its more concentrated flavor compared to fresh oregano.
Salt and Ground Black Pepper – Season according to personal preference.
Feta Cheese – Creamy feta cheese adds the finishing touch. I used Violife brand vegan feta cheese crumbles.

How to Make Greek Pasta Salad for a Crowd

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente pasta. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion. Saute for 2 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
Add the peppers and cook, stirring frequently for 3 minutes, until crisp-tender. Stir in olives, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta and reserved cooking water, stirring gently to coat the pasta. Remove from heat.
Gently stir the feta cheese into the cooled pasta.
Adjust seasoning to taste, transfer to a large bowl, and serve.

Optional Add-Ins

Turn your simple Greek pasta salad into a complete meal by stirring in any of these optional salad ingredients before serving:

Tofu – Pesto Tofu is a great addition for adding plant-based protein.
Artichoke Hearts – For added texture and subtle earthy flavor.
Fresh Vegetables – Add even more fresh flavor with thinly sliced raw red onion, crisp cucumbers (English cucumbers cut into halved or quartered slices), fresh tomatoes (halved cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes are the perfect size).

Make-Ahead and Storage

This simple pasta salad can be made ahead, stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and served the next day. If needed, drizzle the pasta dish with a little bit of olive oil and toss lightly before serving.

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Greek Pasta Salad for a Crowd

Easy make ahead side dish with tender pasta, fresh veggies, tangy olives, and creamy feta cheese.

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Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: greek, Mediterranean

Keyword: dairy free, Greek, make-ahead, Mediterranean, pasta, potluck, vegan, vegetarian

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 35

Servings:

Calories: 150kcal

Author: Holly Gray

Ingredients

8 cups medium-sized pasta such as farfalle or penne pasta
1/4 cup olive oil
1 cup yellow onion
1/4 tablespoon garlic minced
4 cups green bell pepper seeded and chopped
4 cups red bell pepper seeded and chopped
1 cup black olives sliced
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups feta cheese crumbled

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions for al dente pasta. Drain and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion. Saute for 2 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
Add the peppers and cook, stirring frequently for 3 minutes, until crisp-tender. Stir in olives, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked pasta and reserved cooking water, stirring gently to coat the pasta. Remove from heat.
Gently stir the feta cheese into the cooled pasta.
Adjust seasoning to taste, transfer to a large bowl, and serve.

Nutrition

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