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Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 100 reviews

This Tzatziki Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish combining rotini pasta with crisp vegetables and a creamy, tangy tzatziki-style dressing made from Greek yogurt, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfect as a light lunch or a flavorful side, this salad offers Mediterranean flavors with a healthy twist.

Ingredients

Scale

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 the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, then set it aside and allow it to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.
  2. Prepare the Salad Veggies: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with diced cucumber, carrot, sweet onion, bell pepper, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh parsley. Toss everything together gently to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  3. Make the Tzatziki Dressing: In a mason jar or a medium bowl, add the plain Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, and fresh dill. Shake or whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients well. If the dressing is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water to reach desired consistency.
  4. Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared tzatziki dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to coat all the pasta and vegetables with the dressing evenly.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy this refreshing Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Substitute dairy-free yogurt to make a vegan version.
  • Adding fire-roasted peppers gives a smoky depth to the salad.
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour to enhance flavors.
  • The dressing can be adjusted by adding more lemon or vinegar for extra tang.

Keywords: Tzatziki, Pasta Salad, Greek Yogurt Dressing, Mediterranean Salad, Rotini, Healthy Pasta Salad, Gluten-Free Pasta Salad

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