Rigatoni Pasta Salad

You can’t go wrong with a great salad! Even simple ones, like our tomato avocado salad. Which, by the way, you have to try; it’s so tasty.

But, why not add pasta to the mix like we do in our rigatoni pasta salad with Greek dressing?

The name says it all. A delicious Mediterranean-style pasta salad tossed in a homemade red vinaigrette. 

It’s full of all of the best flavors. Perfectly cooked rigatoni, kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, purple onions, crumbled feta cheese, and a flavorful homemade dressing!

Did we mention this pasta salad is perfect for all your summer parties, picnics, BBQs, and poolside get-togethers? 

If you’re looking for a creamy pasta salad, you’ll love this macaroni salad or our dill pickle pasta salad!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Greek Pasta Salad:

Dressing Ingredients:

• Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar is one of the main ingredients. It gives the dressing its tart flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: You’ll want to use a light-tasting olive oil that won’t override the taste of the vinegar.
• Garlic: You’ll need 2 small to medium-sized finely minced garlic cloves. Substitute with ¼ to ½ teaspoon of garlic powder if fresh isn’t available.
• Seasonings: We use 3 simple ingredients as seasonings in the dressing. You’ll need 1 teaspoon each of salt and dried oregano and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper or adjust to your own tastes.
• Lemon: We use the zest of 1 lemon plus 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.

Pasta Salad Ingredients:

• Rigatoni: Small rigatoni noodles are our favorite for this pasta salad. Any variety of short pasta works well like regular rigatoni, penne, ziti, rotini, and cavatappi.
• Tomatoes: Either cherry or grape tomatoes work. They’re not too watery and are a great size for this pasta salad. Half or quarter them based on your preference.
• Olives: We love pitted and halved kalamata olives in this dish. However, you have options. Try using green olives, black olives, or a combination of olives if kalamatas aren’t available.
• Onions: Purple or red onion add the right amount of flavor without being overly strong. If you’d prefer a different type of onion, such as white, sweet, or Vidalia, use one of those instead.
• Cheese: Crumbled feta cheese is our favorite for this side dish. It’s salty and light and pairs well with the different flavors. Other cheese options that work well are parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese pearls.

How to Make Greek Rigatoni Pasta Salad:

Scroll to the recipe card below for full instructions and ingredient amounts! 

This easy pasta salad recipe is one of our favorite summer recipes. It’s light, quick, and full of great flavors!

To Make the Greek Dressing:

1. Place all the dressing ingredients into a mason jar or sealable container, and shake well to combine.
2. Taste and adjust any vinegar, oil, or seasonings. Set aside.

To Make the Pasta Salad:

1. Cook the rigatoni noodles according to the package instructions. Drain then rinse with cold water and drain again.
2. Make sure the noodles are fairly dry then transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add the olives, tomatoes, onions, and cheese and stir to combine.
3. Pour on the dressing, and give everything one more good stir. Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl and enjoy!

Rigatoni Pasta Salad Tips:

• Cook the pasta to al dente: Cook the pasta noodles according to package directions, but make sure to slightly undercook them. This will prevent them from becoming mushy when combined with the other ingredients.
• Rinse and cool the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Cooling the pasta quickly helps maintain its texture and prevents it from sticking together.
• Choose the right pasta: Opt for short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli. They hold the dressing and other ingredients well.
• Let it marinate: After tossing the pasta salad with the vinaigrette, allow it to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
• Add fresh herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill over the salad. They add a burst of freshness and brighten up the dish.

Storage Options:

Refrigerator: Store leftover rigatoni pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Freezer: Freezing is not recommended.

Can you make the rigatoni pasta salad in advance?

Yes, absolutely! You can prepare the pasta salad ahead of time, ranging from a few hours to one day in advance.

It’s best to keep the salad dressing separate from the salad components because the pasta tends to absorb a lot of the dressing.

If you do dress the pasta salad, make extra dressing for serving.

Can you use store-bought Greek dressing for the salad?

Sure! If you’d prefer not to make homemade Greek dressing, use your favorite store-bought variety instead.

Can you add dressing to Greek rigatoni pasta salad ahead of time, or should you dress it just before serving?

Yes, you can add dressing to the pasta salad ahead of time if it’s going to be served within an hour or two.

Additionally, make sure to prepare some extra dressing for serving in case some of it has been absorbed by the pasta.