Description
Tzatziki Pasta Salad combines the refreshing flavors of classic Greek tzatziki with a hearty rotini pasta, making it a creamy, tangy, and vibrant dish perfect for summer. This easy-to-make salad features diced veggies, Kalamata olives, and a yogurt-based dressing infused with garlic, dill, and lemon, creating a healthy and delicious meal or side dish that can also be adapted for vegan and gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz Rotini Pasta (opt for gluten-free pasta if preferred)
- 1 Cucumber, diced
- 1 Carrot, diced
- 1 Sweet Onion, diced
- 1 Bell Pepper (consider using fire-roasted), diced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata Olives, pitted
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup Plain Unsweetened Greek Yogurt (dairy-free yogurt for vegan options)
- 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano (fresh oregano can be substituted)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Chopped Dill (dried dill is an alternative)
Instructions
- Preparation: Prepare all vegetables by dicing the cucumber, carrot, sweet onion, and bell pepper. Chop the fresh parsley and dill if using fresh herbs to ensure freshness in the salad.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and rinse with cold water to cool it down and stop the cooking process. Set aside to drain completely.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked and cooled pasta, diced cucumber, carrot, sweet onion, bell pepper, Kalamata olives, and chopped parsley. Gently toss these ingredients to evenly distribute them.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a mason jar or small bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, and fresh chopped dill. Shake or whisk the mixture vigorously until the dressing is smooth and fully combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared tzatziki-inspired dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss the salad generously to ensure all components are evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste and making the salad refreshing and perfect for serving.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- If gluten-free is needed, use gluten-free rotini pasta.
- Tasting and adjusting the seasoning of the dressing before tossing with salad ensures a balanced flavor.
- Chilling the salad longer (up to 4 hours) enhances flavor integration but can be served sooner if needed.
- Adding fresh herbs like oregano and dill freshens the salad, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch.
- This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best taste and texture.
