If you're looking for the perfect cold pasta salad for meal prep, summer BBQs, or family gatherings, this Greek Bow Tie Pasta Salad is packed with fresh veggies, wholesome ingredients, and Mediterranean flavors. Made with whole wheat bow tie pasta, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, tangy feta cheese, and shredded rotisserie chicken, this easy Greek pasta salad recipe is both satisfying and refreshing.
This bowtie pasta salad is tossed in a simple homemade Greek dressing that brings all the flavors together beautifully. It's the perfect side dish, light lunch, or easy meal prep recipe for hot summer days.
Look for more salad options? Look at my Crispy Caesar Pasta Salad Recipe With Chicken, BLT Chicken Pasta Salad, Zesty Quinoa Salad, or my No Mayo Pasta Salad
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for meal prep
- Packed with protein and fiber
- Easy cold pasta salad recipe
- Made with wholesome ingredients
- Great for summer BBQs and cookouts
- Loaded with fresh veggies and Mediterranean flavors
Ingredients
- Whole wheat bow tie pasta - Adds fiber and makes the salad hearty and satisfying.
- Persian cucumbers - Adds crunch and freshness.
- Red peppers - Adds sweetness and vibrant color.
- Roma tomatoes - Adds juicy flavor and freshness.
- Feta cheese - Adds creamy, tangy flavor.
- Black olives - Adds salty, briny Mediterranean flavor.
- Purple onion - Adds sharpness and texture.
- Rotisserie chicken - Adds lean protein and makes the salad more filling.
- Oregano - Adds classic Greek-inspired flavor.
- Garlic powder - Adds savory depth to the dressing.
- Salt & black pepper - Enhances all the flavors.
- Apple cider vinegar - Adds tangy brightness to the dressing.
- Olive oil - Creates a rich and flavorful dressing base.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once the pasta cooks through, rinse with cold water, drain well, and transfer to a very large salad bowl.
- Add the Salad Ingredients- Add chopped cucumbers, red peppers, tomatoes, black olives, purple onions, feta cheese, and shredded rotisserie chicken to the bowl with the cooled pasta.
- Make the Dressing- In a small bowl or container, whisk together oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until well combined. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated and combined.
- Serve-Serve immediately or chill before serving for even better flavor. Pre-portion into meal prep containers or serve in a large serving bowl for gatherings.
Substitutions
- Whole Wheat Bow Tie Pasta: Swap for regular pasta, chickpea pasta, or gluten-free pasta.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Use grilled chicken, canned tuna, chickpeas, or white beans.
- Feta Cheese: Substitute with mozzarella pearls, goat cheese, or dairy-free feta.
- Black Olives: Use kalamata olives or green olives.
- Roma Tomatoes: Use grape tomatoes or cherry tomatoes.
- Persian Cucumbers: English cucumbers work great too.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Use red wine vinegar or fresh lemon juice.
- Olive Oil: Avocado oil also works well.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free pasta.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free feta or omit the cheese.
- Vegetarian: Omit the chicken or replace with chickpeas for plant-based protein.
Variations
- Greek Chicken Pasta Salad - Add extra chicken for a higher protein option.
- Mediterranean Pasta Salad - Add artichoke hearts and fresh basil.
- Tuna Pasta Salad - Replace chicken with canned tuna.
- Creamy Greek Pasta Salad - Add a spoonful of Greek yogurt to the dressing.
- Low-Carb Option - Use a chickpea pasta or extra vegetables instead of traditional pasta.
- Fresh Herb Upgrade - Add fresh parsley, dill, or mint for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Equipment
- Large salad bowl
- Medium pot
- Small container or bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For best flavor, give the salad a quick toss before serving again.
- If meal prepping, keep a little extra dressing in a separate container to freshen the salad before eating.
- This pasta salad is best served cold.
- Do not freeze.
Christinas Dietitian Tip
This Greek bow tie pasta salad is a balanced meal packed with fiber-rich vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats from olive oil and feta cheese. Using whole wheat pasta helps increase fiber for fullness and blood sugar support. To boost nutrition even more, add extra fresh veggies or legumes like chickpeas for additional fiber and plant-based protein.
FAQ
Bow tie pasta, rotini, and penne all work great because they hold dressing well.
Save a little extra dressing and toss before serving.
Grilled chicken, tuna, chickpeas, or salmon are all delicious additions.
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta.
Salads
Looking for more salad options check these out:
Lunch
These are some of my lunch recipes:
Jump to: Recipe
Greek Bow Tie Pasta Salad
Equipment
- 1 Large Salad Bowl
- 1 Medium pot
- 1 Small container
Ingredients
- 10 oz Bag of Whole Wheat Bow Tie Pasta
- 1 ½ cup Persian Cucumbers Chopped
- 1 ½ cup Red Peppers Chopped
- 1 ½ cup Roma Tomatoes Chopped
- 1 cup Feta Crumbled
- ¾ cup Black Olives Sliced and canned
- ½ cup Purple Onions Finely Diced
- 1 3 cups Rotisserie Chicken Skinless & Shredded
Dressing:
- 1 teaspoon Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt To Taste
- Pepper To Taste
- ¼ cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- ⅓ cup Olive Oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Once the pasta cooks through, rinse with cold water, drain well, and transfer to a very large salad bowl.
- Add the Salad Ingredients- Add chopped cucumbers, red peppers, tomatoes, black olives, purple onions, feta cheese, and shredded rotisserie chicken to the bowl with the cooled pasta.
- Make the Dressing- In a small bowl or container, whisk together oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until well combined. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated and combined.
- Serve- Serve immediately or chill before serving for even better flavor. Pre-portion into meal prep containers or serve in a large serving bowl for gatherings.
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
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