Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Greek Pasta Salad

Teresa Ambra

 2013 – Gluten Free Living

This Greek Pasta Salad is one of my favorites. I’ve made it so many times for potlucks or when bringing meals to others. I have to admit Greek or Mediterranean salads are a few of our favorites. We love the combination of olive oil dressings and all the veggies we adore from the Mediterranean-style diet. Black olives, diced bell peppers in assorted colors, diced red onion, lots of tomatoes, avocados, cucumbers, feta cheese, pepperoni and pasta–oh my, what’s not to like in this fantastic combination?

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Last summer I saw a picture of this fantastic looking Greek Pasta Salad from Christina at Sweet Peas Kitchen. It’s taken me awhile to get around to making it but I am so glad I did. This salad went way beyond my expectations. It was outstanding.

In fact, I liked it so much I’m going to put this on my regular menu. I salivated over every bite and that’s saying something. Granted, I eat a LOT of salads but the flavors of this dressing were extraordinary. I added a few things to the recipe and especially the addition of chopped avocado was wonderful. Pepperocinis, capers, artichoke hearts, canned mushrooms, corn cobettes, or hearts of palm are also great additions that would enhance an already fantastic salad.

Her source for this Greek Pasta Salad was My Baking Addiction. Both blogs are excellent and worthy of checking out sometime. I am truly grateful for each of them sharing this awesome recipe.

I used gluten free pasta noodles in this recipe so for those of you with gluten intolerance here’s a recipe you can enjoy without repercussions from eating a wheat-based pasta. I would recommend, however, that you stay away from corn-based pastas and instead look for pastas made with a blend of different grains. Ronzoni has a fabulous GF pasta these days.

If you’re looking for a deliciously tasty way to get your kids to eat their vegetables or you’re trying to use up some of your garden produce, consider trying this amazing Greek Pasta Salad recipe. This spectacular salad is great for your company menu, too. Take this along to holiday potlucks and you will be lucky if you escape with any leftovers.

The flavors in this salad permeate and infuse the veggies if you allow it to refrigerate for a few hours before serving it. But even if you serve it right away it still tastes amazing!

I originally published this post in March of 2013. I’ve made this recipe several times since then. This is one I make frequently for people who are moving. Everybody just seems to enjoy it so much. I’ve used both gluten free noodles and regular wheat pasta.

I’ve used regular pepperoni and turkey pepperoni for those who’ve been allergic to pork. I decided to go ahead and refresh the pictures (May 2014) when I made a batch of this last week because my first ones were a little blurry. These pictures use turkey pepperoni and regular wheat pasta, but certainly this recipe works well with gluten free pasta as long as you don’t use any made strictly from corn.

This recipe continues to increase in popularity with our family every time I make it! I hope you’ll give it a try soon.

I recently remade this recipe (July 2017) again for our church’s Friday night care group in our home. It is such a terrific recipe. This recipe makes a lot! So unless you plan to take it to a potluck or for company, you may have to cut down the ingredients somewhat. It will last a day or two in the refrigerator although you will probably have to freshen the avocados.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Greek Pasta Salad is a colorful and festive salad and one of the few “to die for” recipes in my opinion.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

This salad has so many health benefits from all the delicious veggies that go into it. Nowadays you can use gluten free pasta and pepperoni that doesn’t have nitrates or other preservatives to keep it a little cleaner.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Greek Pasta Salad also has a wonderful homemade dressing that transforms this salad from great into spectacular!

Here’s what I did.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

I used these ingredients for the salad. I’ve used regular and gluten free pastas and regular or turkey pepperoni. Both turn out exceptionally well.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

I used gluten free noodles. It is imperative for this recipe that you don’t over cook the noodles. Only cook until al dente. (Ronzoni makes a terrific gluten free pasta these days). 

Cook pasta according to package directions (al dente). I ran cold water over the pasta after I cooked it to st0p the enzyme process and so the noodles would not continue cooking. Place drained noodles in bowl.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Dice yellow, orange and red bell pepper. Cut cucumber in fourths, then slice down. Slice sunburst cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes and zeema sweet orange grape tomatoes. Dice red onion. Add sliced kalamata olives and miniature or regular pepperoni. Add to bowl with cooked pasta.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Stir ingredients lightly to combine.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

I used these ingredients for the salad dressing.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Whisk ingredients to combine.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Add part of the salad dressing and part of the Feta cheese.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Stir to combine. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Before serving the salad, chop avocado and swish the pieces in lemon juice to help prevent discoloration. Add remaining feta cheese and remaining salad dressing on top of the salad.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Greek Pasta Salad turned out to be one of my favorite all-time salads. I could eat a bowl of this every week! It was spectacular!

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Greek Pasta Salad is one of the BEST pasta salad recipes you’ll ever eat! The flavors of the salad dressing permeated all the ingredients quite powerfully. Truly, this ranks as one of the best tasting salads I’ve had….and I really like salad!

Here’s the recipe.

GREEK PASTA SALAD

(Recipe adapted from Sweet Peas Kitchen, source: adapted from My Baking Addiction)

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Greek Pasta Salad

Teresa Ambra
Absolutely heavenly pasta salad with a Greek flair and a lovely olive oil vinaigrette. This one uses 3 kinds of tomatoes and bell peppers, onions, olives, avocados, feta cheese and pepperoni. Use gluten free pasta and turkey pepperoni for a healthier version. Excellent side dish for company or holiday dinners.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Salads and Salad Dressings, Side Dish
Cuisine Greek
Servings 12
Calories 647 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large salad bowl or trifle dish
  • 1 Dutch oven or stock pot to cook the pasta
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables

Ingredients
  

PASTA SALAD:

  • 12 or 16 oz. pkg. whole grain rotini pasta or gluten free pasta cooked according to package directions al dente drained and rinsed in cold water (Ronzoni makes a GF pasta with brown rice flour, corn flour and quinoa flour that's quite good)
  • 1/2 pint cherry or grape tomatoes cut in half
  • 1/2 pint yellow sunburst cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • 1/2 pint zeema orange sweet tomatoes cut in half
  • 1 large cucumber cut in fourths lengthwise, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 orange or yellow bell pepper chopped
  • 1/3 cup red onion diced
  • 2 avocados sliced
  • 1 cup kalamata olives cut in half
  • 2 cups crumbled feta cheese divided use
  • 6 oz. pkg. miniature pepperoni or use regular size pepperoni, halved (or turkey pepperoni)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice or as needed, to prevent discoloration in avocados

GREEK DRESSING:

  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 3/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. dried basil
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1-1/2 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp. granulated sugar

Instructions
 

PASTA SALAD:

  • In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, diced red onions, 1½ cups of feta cheese and pepperoni.
  • Reserve ½ cup of dressing and place in the refrigerator.
  • Toss the pasta salad with the rest of the dressing until evenly coated.
  • Cover, and chill several hours or overnight.
  • Right before serving, chop avocado and swish in a shallow bowl of lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
  • Add avocado to salad with the reserved dressing and remaining ½ cup of feta cheese, tossing to coat.

GREEK DRESSING:

  • In a two-cup measuring cup, add olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and sugar.
  • Whisk well to combine.
  • Set aside 1/2 cup.
  • Pour remaining dressing over salad and refrigerate.
  • Add remaining 1/2 cup salad dressing, feta cheese, and avocados to salad just before serving the salad.

Notes

NOTE: You can also add pepperocinis, artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, canned mushrooms, or capers to this recipe.
 
NOTE: The original recipe calls for Za-atar which is a spice you can get at specialty shops.
 
NOTE: This recipe does not work well with gluten free pasta made strictly from corn. However, Ronzoni now makes a really good GF pasta with rice, corn & quinoa flours.
 
NOTE: To prevent discoloration, it's best to swish the avocado in lemon juice and add just before serving.
 
Recipe source: adapted from My Baking Addiction.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 647kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 17gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 722mgPotassium: 668mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1300IUVitamin C: 49mgCalcium: 209mgIron: 3mg
Keyword avocados, feta cheese, greek pasta salad, Greek salad, olives, pasta salad, pepperoni, salad, side dish, tomatoes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

 

[b]Greek Pasta Salad[/b]
Recipe Type: Salads and Salad Dressings
Cuisine: Greek
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from [url href=”http://sweetpeaskitchen.com/?s=greek+pasta+salad&x=0&y=0″ target=”_blank” title=”greek pasta salad”]Sweet Pea’s Kitchen[/url]; source: adapted from [url href=”http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/greek-pasta-salad-recipe/” target=”_blank” title=”greek pasta salad”]My Baking Addiction[/url]
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Absolutely heavenly pasta salad with a Greek flair and a lovely olive oil vinaigrette. This one uses 3 kinds of tomatoes and bell peppers, onions, olives, avocados, feta cheese and pepperoni. Use gluten free pasta and turkey pepperoni for a healthier version.
Ingredients
  • 16-oz. whole grain rotini pasta or gluten free pasta cooked according to package directions
  • ½ pint cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half
  • ½ pint yellow sunburst cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • ½ pint zeema sweet tomatoes (orange), cut in half
  • 1 large cucumber, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 orange or yellow bell pepper, chopped
  • 1/3 cup diced red onion
  • 2 avocados, cubed
  • 3/4 cup Kalamata olives, cut in half
  • 2 cups crumbled feta cheese, divided
  • 1 (6-ounce) package of sliced pepperoni, cut in half (or turkey pepperoni)
  • lemon juice
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, diced red onions, 1½ cups of feta cheese and pepperoni.
  2. Reserve ½ cup of dressing and place in the refrigerator.
  3. Toss the pasta salad with the rest of the dressing until evenly coated.
  4. Cover, and chill overnight.
  5. Right before serving, chop avocado and swish in a shallow bowl of lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
  6. Add avocado to salad with the reserved dressing and remaining ½ cup of feta cheese, tossing to coat.
Notes
You can also add pepperocinis, artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, canned mushrooms, or capers to this recipe.[br][br]The original recipe calls for Za-atar which is a spice you can get at specialty shops. [br][br]This recipe does not work well with gluten free pasta made from corn.

 

[b]Greek Dressing[/b]
Recipe Type: Salads and Salad Dressings
Cuisine: Greek
Author: Teresa Ambra adapted from [url href=”http://sweetpeaskitchen.com/?s=greek+pasta+salad&x=0&y=0″ target=”_blank” title=”greek pasta salad”]Sweet Pea’s Kitchen[/url]; source: adapted from [url href=”http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/greek-pasta-salad-recipe/” target=”_blank” title=”greek pasta salad”]My Baking Addiction[/url]
Prep time:
Total time:
Serves: 12
Absolutely heavenly pasta salad with a Greek flair and a lovely olive oil vinaigrette. This one uses 3 kinds of tomatoes and bell peppers, onions, olives, avocados, feta cheese and pepperoni. Use gluten free pasta and turkey pepperoni for a healthier version.
Ingredients
  • 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 Italian seasoning
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
Instructions
  1. In a two-cup measuring cup, add olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and sugar.
  2. Whisk well to combine.
  3. Set aside 1/2 cup.
  4. Pour remaining dressing over salad and refrigerate.
  5. Add remaining 1/2 cup salad dressing, feta cheese, and avocados to salad before serving salad.
Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Greek Pasta Salad is a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies!

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Don’t forget to add the reserved salad dressing and 1/2 cup of Feta cheese before serving. Stir to combine. This is the perfect salad to serve company at potlucks, family reunions, backyard barbecues or any summer holiday function.

Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

To make a healthier version of this recipe use gluten free noodles and turkey pepperoni. Greek Pasta Salad is beautiful in appearance too. Certainly elegant enough for company dinners.

You may also enjoy these delicious recipes!

Farmer’s Market Pasta Salad

Farmer's Market Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this amazing #pasta #salad includes #chicken, #peaches, fresh #corn, #tomatoes and bow-tie #pasta. It's topped with a wonderful homemade #vinaigrette. One of the best salads we've ever eaten!

Ranch BLT Pasta Salad

Ranch BLT Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | awesome #pasta #salad with #ranchdressing. I used #turkey #bacon. Great for summer #holidays, potlucks or backyard #BBQs.

Trio Antipasto Salad

Trio Antipasto Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | this favorite #pasta #salad includes #pepperoni, #salami & #provolone cheese. The homemade #vinaigrette is delightful. Great for potlucks, reunions & summer #BBQs.
Greek Pasta Salad | Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen | my favorite #pasta #salad. This one has a #Greek flair with #pepperoni #olives #avocados & #fetacheese. I used #glutenfree noodles. Absolutely amazing!

Greek Pasta Salad

Teresa Ambra
Absolutely heavenly pasta salad with a Greek flair and a lovely olive oil vinaigrette. This one uses 3 kinds of tomatoes and bell peppers, onions, olives, avocados, feta cheese and pepperoni. Use gluten free pasta and turkey pepperoni for a healthier version. Excellent side dish for company or holiday dinners.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Salads and Salad Dressings, Side Dish
Cuisine Greek
Servings 12
Calories 647 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large salad bowl or trifle dish
  • 1 Dutch oven or stock pot to cook the pasta
  • measuring cups
  • measuring spoons
  • 1 sharp knife to cut vegetables

Ingredients
  

PASTA SALAD:

  • 12 or 16 oz. pkg. whole grain rotini pasta or gluten free pasta cooked according to package directions al dente drained and rinsed in cold water (Ronzoni makes a GF pasta with brown rice flour, corn flour and quinoa flour that’s quite good)
  • 1/2 pint cherry or grape tomatoes cut in half
  • 1/2 pint yellow sunburst cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • 1/2 pint zeema orange sweet tomatoes cut in half
  • 1 large cucumber cut in fourths lengthwise, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper chopped
  • 1 orange or yellow bell pepper chopped
  • 1/3 cup red onion diced
  • 2 avocados sliced
  • 1 cup kalamata olives cut in half
  • 2 cups crumbled feta cheese divided use
  • 6 oz. pkg. miniature pepperoni or use regular size pepperoni, halved (or turkey pepperoni)
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice or as needed, to prevent discoloration in avocados

GREEK DRESSING:

  • 1 cup olive oil
  • 3/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 2 tsp. dried basil
  • 2 tsp. dried oregano
  • 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1-1/2 tsp. freshly-ground black pepper
  • 2 tsp. granulated sugar

Instructions
 

PASTA SALAD:

  • In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, diced red onions, 1½ cups of feta cheese and pepperoni.
  • Reserve ½ cup of dressing and place in the refrigerator.
  • Toss the pasta salad with the rest of the dressing until evenly coated.
  • Cover, and chill several hours or overnight.
  • Right before serving, chop avocado and swish in a shallow bowl of lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
  • Add avocado to salad with the reserved dressing and remaining ½ cup of feta cheese, tossing to coat.

GREEK DRESSING:

  • In a two-cup measuring cup, add olive oil, vinegar, garlic powder, basil, oregano, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and sugar.
  • Whisk well to combine.
  • Set aside 1/2 cup.
  • Pour remaining dressing over salad and refrigerate.
  • Add remaining 1/2 cup salad dressing, feta cheese, and avocados to salad just before serving the salad.

Notes

NOTE: You can also add pepperocinis, artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, canned mushrooms, or capers to this recipe.
 
NOTE: The original recipe calls for Za-atar which is a spice you can get at specialty shops.
 
NOTE: This recipe does not work well with gluten free pasta made strictly from corn. However, Ronzoni now makes a really good GF pasta with rice, corn & quinoa flours.
 
NOTE: To prevent discoloration, it’s best to swish the avocado in lemon juice and add just before serving.
 
Recipe source: adapted from My Baking Addiction.
 
© Can’t Stay Out of the Kitchen

Nutrition

Calories: 647kcalCarbohydrates: 66gProtein: 17gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 20gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 722mgPotassium: 668mgFiber: 7gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 1300IUVitamin C: 49mgCalcium: 209mgIron: 3mg
Keyword avocados, feta cheese, greek pasta salad, Greek salad, olives, pasta salad, pepperoni, salad, side dish, tomatoes
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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