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Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 271 reviews

This refreshing Tzatziki Pasta Salad combines rotini pasta with crisp vegetables and a creamy, tangy Greek yogurt dressing infused with fresh herbs and garlic. Perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this Mediterranean-inspired salad is easy to prepare and can be adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 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, chopped

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)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well, set aside, and allow it to cool completely to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumber, carrot, sweet onion, and bell pepper. Chop the kalamata olives and fresh parsley. Add all these vegetables to a large mixing bowl along with the cooled pasta. Toss gently to combine everything evenly.
  3. Make Dressing: In a mason jar or small bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, and chopped fresh dill. Close the jar and shake vigorously to blend all the ingredients thoroughly. If the dressing is too thick, add about 1 teaspoon of water and shake again to achieve a pourable consistency.
  4. Combine Salad and Chill: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss all ingredients carefully to coat the pasta and vegetables well with the tzatziki dressing. Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled and enjoy this vibrant pasta salad!

Notes

  • For a vegan version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a plain unsweetened dairy-free yogurt.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if you need to make this salad gluten-free.
  • If bell peppers are not fresh or in season, fire-roasted jarred peppers work excellently for a smoky flavor.
  • The salad tastes even better if allowed to chill overnight, enhancing the flavors.
  • Add a teaspoon of water to the dressing if it is too thick for easy tossing.

Keywords: Tzatziki, Pasta Salad, Greek Yogurt Dressing, Mediterranean Salad, Gluten Free Pasta Salad, Vegan Option

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