What is Greek pasta salad made of?

Greek pasta salad typically includes pasta (often rotini or penne), Kalamata olives, feta cheese, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and a Greek vinaigrette dressing. Some variations may also include bell peppers or artichoke hearts.

How long does Greek pasta salad last?

Greek pasta salad can last for 3-5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

What kind of dressing is used in Greek salad?

The dressing used in Greek salad, and often in Greek pasta salad, is typically a vinaigrette made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Can you make pasta salad the day before?

Yes, you can definitely make pasta salad the day before serving. In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together in the refrigerator. Just be sure to store it properly in an airtight container.

What protein goes with Greek salad?

Grilled or baked chicken is a very popular protein to add to Greek salad to create a Greek Chicken Pasta Salad. Other good protein choices include grilled shrimp, chickpeas, or grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option.

How do you keep pasta salad from drying out?

To keep pasta salad from drying out, toss the pasta with a little olive oil after cooking to prevent it from absorbing too much dressing. When storing, ensure it's in an airtight container. You can also reserve some extra dressing to add just before serving if it seems dry.

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad: Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner 2026

Name: Greek Chicken Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: PT-494370H13M3S
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 pound short pasta, like rotini or penne; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed; 1 English cucumber, diced; 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved; 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 1 cup crumbled feta cheese; ½ cup chopped fresh parsley; ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil; ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Greek Chicken Pasta Salad

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A vibrant and satisfying make-ahead meal where flavors meld beautifully overnight. This salad combines tender pasta, chicken, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon-herb vinaigrette for a dish that is both comforting and fresh. Perfect for picnics, lunches, or easy weeknight dinners.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 12min
Total Time: 32min plus chilling
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: lunch
Method: boiling, mixing
Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound short pasta, like rotini or penne
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
1 English cucumber, diced
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse briefly with cool water, and let drain well.
While pasta cooks, make the vinaigrette. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, honey, salt, and pepper until fully emulsified.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and parsley.
Pour about three-quarters of the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight, to allow flavors to develop.
Before serving, stir the salad, add remaining dressing if needed, and gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese.

Notes

For best flavor, chill the salad overnight. Do not add the feta until just before serving to prevent it from dissolving. Use gluten-free pasta or chickpeas for dietary variations.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6
Sodium: 850
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 6
Unsaturated Fat: 12
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 45
Fiber: 4
Protein: 25
Cholesterol: 65

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/greek-chicken-pasta-salad/