Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives

I love making this Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives when I want something fresh, vibrant, and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. I toss tender pasta with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, creamy feta, and a simple olive oil dressing to create a dish that feels both comforting and refreshing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how quick and simple this recipe is to prepare, especially on busy weeknights. I only need a handful of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients to create bold, bright flavors. I also appreciate how versatile it is—I can serve it warm as a main dish or chilled as a pasta salad.

I find that the combination of salty feta, tangy olives, and sweet tomatoes creates a perfectly balanced bite every time. I also like that this dish works beautifully for meal prep, picnics, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini work well)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
3/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
salt to taste
black pepper to taste
fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. I drain it and let it cool slightly.

While the pasta cooks, I prepare the vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes, slicing the olives, dicing the cucumber, and thinly slicing the red onion.

In a small bowl, I whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

I place the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl and add the tomatoes, olives, cucumber, and red onion. I pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Finally, I gently fold in the crumbled feta and sprinkle fresh parsley on top if I have it on hand. I serve it immediately or chill it for later.

Servings and Timing

I typically get about 4 servings from this recipe.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add grilled chicken or shrimp to make it more filling. When I want extra crunch, I toss in some chopped bell peppers. I also like adding fresh spinach or arugula for a boost of greens.

If I want a creamier texture, I mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt with the dressing. For extra brightness, I occasionally add a splash of red wine vinegar.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I find that the flavors deepen as it sits.

If I am serving it cold, I simply give it a good stir before serving. If I prefer it warm, I gently reheat it in the microwave for short intervals, stirring in between. I sometimes add a small drizzle of olive oil before reheating to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

I often prepare it a few hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. I find that it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

What type of pasta works best?

I usually use short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle because they hold the dressing well and mix easily with the other ingredients.

Can I use a different type of olive?

I sometimes substitute black olives if that is what I have available, although I prefer Kalamata olives for their rich, briny flavor.

Is this recipe served hot or cold?

I enjoy it both ways. I serve it warm as a main dish or chilled as a pasta salad.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

I simply swap the regular pasta for my favorite gluten-free variety, and it works just as well.

Conclusion

I love how this Greek Pasta with Feta and Olives brings together simple ingredients to create a fresh, flavorful dish. I appreciate how easy it is to customize and how well it fits into busy days or relaxed gatherings. Whenever I need a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal, I turn to this recipe and know it will deliver every time.

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