Greek Pasta Salad (gluten-free)

April 30, 2019

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This Greek Pasta Salad is the ultimate no-mayo pasta salad and for all my Greek salad lovers, this is such an easy side dish or main to make!

You ask and you shall receive my friends!

Your new go-to quick and easy pasta salad recipe is HERE! You guys have been asking for more lunch and dinner recipes with minimal prep work. Ones you can make ahead of time too and serve for BBQs, dinner parties or just enjoy whenever. And as a mama with very limited time, this is speaking to my heart in its feasibility.

I have been making a variety of different pasta recipes over the past couple of months for fast and easy fuel. I love how they stay well in the fridge for a few days so I can easily heat them up or just eat them cold and at room temperature. I think it is best chilled but not too cold!

Tip: add in any other mix-in’s you want to this dish to spice things up! Red onion, pickled onions, tomatoes, avocado, anything!

What ingredients you need to make this Greek pasta salad:

Gluten-free pasta of choice – any pasta can really work. I like the bow noodle shape or elbows or penne work well!
Seedless cucumber – I like the mini Persian ones best but a large seedless cucumber can work too
Kalamata olives – pitted and chopped
Green olives – love the addition of these olives too in there
Bell peppers – either red, orange or yellow can work
Feta cheese – I love a sheep or goat’s milk one best for creaminess and taste
Olive oil – use a quality olive oil for best flavor
Garlic clove – or use garlic powder
Dried oregano – love adding this to dressing

How to make this no-mayo pasta salad:

Cook pasta according to instructions then rinse under cold water to prevent sticking (don’t over cook the pasta!)
In a large bowl, mix together dressing ingredients then add everything but the pasta
Next mix in the pasta then stir to combine everything and enjoy immediately as a side or as a main dish (it’s great with chicken or salmon on top too!)

FAQs on making Greek pasta salad:

What noodle shape works best? Use short pasta! Choose a bite-sized pasta so it has nooks and crannies to hold the dressing!
What is best way to cook the pasta? Since the pasta sits in the dressing, it can get soggy if overcooked. Pasta also can firm up a bit when cold so don’t over cook it!
Is the pasta salad a main or side? It can be either. I love adding some chicken, salmon or shrimp to make it a heartier meal or serve it along the side of a main dish.
How long does this pasta salad last? Usually 2-3 days is best. It is great freshly made in my opinion because it’s not too soggy but leftover is still delicious. Plus the dressing is light so it doesn’t get too soggy.
How can I spice this up a bit? Use tortellini instead for noodles, add in any other mix-in’s you want like avocado, roasted red peppers or anything you are craving. I also omit tomatoes since I don’t like them but you can of course add them in too!