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Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews

This refreshing Tzatziki Pasta Salad combines rotini pasta with crisp vegetables and a creamy Greek yogurt-based tzatziki dressing. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors from kalamata olives, fresh dill, and garlic, this salad is perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as a side dish at any gathering. It’s easy to prepare, customizable with gluten-free or vegan options, and tastes best chilled.

Ingredients

Scale

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 peppers)
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Tzatziki Dressing

  • 1.5 cups plain unsweetened Greek yogurt (use 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, bring water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set 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, diced bell pepper, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Prepare the dressing: In a mason jar (or a mixing bowl), combine the Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, and fresh dill. Secure the lid and shake well to mix thoroughly. If the dressing is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water and shake again for a smoother consistency.
  4. Mix salad and dressing: Pour the prepared tzatziki dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss well to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing for full flavor infusion.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy chilled as a refreshing dish.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pasta if you have gluten sensitivity or want a gluten-free dish.
  • For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt alternative.
  • Fire-roasted jarred bell peppers can add a smoky twist to this salad if fresh bell peppers are unavailable.
  • Adding the dressing a few hours ahead helps the flavors develop more pronounced tastes.
  • Feel free to add other fresh herbs like mint or basil for additional aroma and taste.
  • This pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.

Keywords: tzatziki pasta salad, Greek yogurt pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, gluten free pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://dailysimplerecipe.com/tzatziki-pasta-salad-recipe/