Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

This refreshing Tzatziki Pasta Salad combines tender rotini pasta with crisp vegetables and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. It’s a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for warm days or as a light side. Easy to prepare and full of fresh herbs, it offers a delightful Mediterranean twist to your pasta salads.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces rotini pasta (use gluten free, if needed)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1/2 sweet onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (can use fire-roasted jarred pepper)
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley
• 1.5 cups plain unsweetened Greek yogurt (use dairy-free for vegan version)
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain well, then set aside and allow it to cool completely.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with diced cucumber, carrot, onion, bell pepper, kalamata olives, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to mix.
3. Step 3: In a mason jar or small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, and fresh dill. Shake or whisk well to blend. If the dressing is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water and mix again.
4. Step 4: Pour the tzatziki dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free plain yogurt.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Add chopped fresh mint or basil for an extra burst of herbaceous flavor.
• Include some crumbled feta cheese for a richer taste if dairy is not a concern.
• If you prefer a spicier salad, sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.

Storage

Store the tzatziki pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors develop nicely over time, but the salad is best enjoyed within a couple of days for optimal freshness. When ready to eat, give it a good stir, and serve chilled. Avoid freezing, as the yogurt dressing may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this pasta salad improves when made a few hours in advance allowing the flavors to meld. Refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh dill?

If fresh dill is unavailable, dried dill is a suitable substitute. Use about 1/2 teaspoon dried dill in place of 2 tablespoons fresh.

Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe

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This refreshing Tzatziki Pasta Salad combines rotini pasta with crisp vegetables and a creamy Greek yogurt-based tzatziki dressing, offering a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or gatherings.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Pasta Salad

• 16 ounces rotini pasta (use gluten free, if needed)
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1/2 sweet onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (can use fire-roasted jarred pepper)
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley

For the Tzatziki Dressing

• 1.5 cups plain unsweetened Greek yogurt (use a dairy-free yogurt for vegan version)
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, then set it aside to cool completely.
2. Combine Vegetables and Pasta: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta along with the diced cucumber, carrot, sweet onion, bell pepper, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh parsley. Toss everything gently to mix evenly.
3. Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing: In a mason jar or bowl, add Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, and fresh dill. Shake or whisk well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. If the dressing is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water to reach desired consistency.
4. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared tzatziki dressing over the combined pasta salad. Toss well to ensure even coating of the dressing on all ingredients.
5. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy this vibrant and healthy pasta salad.

Notes

• Use gluten-free pasta to make the salad gluten-free if needed.
• Substitute dairy-free yogurt to make the dressing vegan.
• For extra flavor, use fire-roasted jarred bell peppers.
• The salad tastes best after chilling for at least one hour to enhance flavor melding.
• Adjust consistency of dressing by adding small amounts of water if too thick.

Keywords: Tzatziki, Pasta Salad, Greek yogurt dressing, Mediterranean salad, gluten free pasta salad, healthy pasta salad