Description
This Tzatziki Pasta Salad is a refreshing and creamy vegetarian dish that’s perfect for BBQs, cookouts, and potlucks. Loaded with fresh vegetables, bright herbs, and a tangy tzatziki dressing made with Greek yogurt, it’s a crowd-pleasing side dish that combines Mediterranean flavors with a fun pasta twist.
Ingredients
- For the Pasta Salad:
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16 ounces rotini pasta (use gluten-free if needed)
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1 cucumber, diced
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1 carrot, diced
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½ sweet onion, diced
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1 bell pepper, diced (fire-roasted jarred peppers can be used as a substitute)
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½ cup kalamata olives, chopped
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½ cup fresh parsley
- For the Tzatziki Dressing:
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1 ½ cups plain unsweetened Greek yogurt (use dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version)
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½ lemon, juiced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill (or ½ teaspoon dried)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced cucumbers, carrots, onion, bell pepper, kalamata olives, and fresh parsley. Toss to combine.
Make the Tzatziki Dressing: In a mason jar (or bowl), add the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, and fresh dill. Shake or whisk well to combine. If the dressing is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water to loosen it up.
Combine the Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss well to coat the ingredients evenly.
Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
Vegan Option: Use dairy-free yogurt to make this salad vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
Make Ahead: This salad can be made a day ahead of time. It tastes even better as it sits and absorbs the flavors!
Optional Add-Ins: Feel free to add feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, or a sprinkle of olives for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
