Save A creamy, festive pasta salad loaded with vibrant veggies, sharp cheeses, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing—perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks.
This pasta salad has quickly become my go-to dish for holiday parties because it is both festive and easy to make.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) rotini or fusilli pasta
- Dressing: 1 cup (240 g) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat for best creaminess) ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise 2 tbsp Dijon mustard 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp honey 1 clove garlic, minced ½ tsp salt ¼ tsp black pepper
- Cheeses: 1 cup (120 g) sharp cheddar cheese, diced ½ cup (50 g) crumbled feta cheese ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan
- Vegetables & Add-ins: 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 cup (120 g) English cucumber, diced ½ cup (60 g) red onion, finely chopped ½ cup (60 g) pitted Kalamata olives, halved ¼ cup (30 g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped ¼ cup (10 g) fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- Step 2:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly with the dressing.
- Step 4:
- Gently fold in cheddar, feta, parmesan, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and parsley.
- Step 5:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Step 6:
- Stir before serving, and garnish with extra herbs or cheese if desired.
Save This recipe has made many family gatherings special, bringing everyone together over a deliciously creamy salad.
Notes
For extra protein, add diced cooked chicken or turkey. Substitute whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta as needed. Add pine nuts or toasted walnuts for crunch. Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon.
Required Tools
Large pot Colander Large mixing bowl Whisk Chefs knife Cutting board
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 350 Total Fat: 19 g Carbohydrates: 32 g Protein: 14 g
Save This pasta salad is sure to delight guests with its creamy texture and festive ingredients.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best?
Rotini or fusilli are ideal as their twists hold the dressing well, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- → Can the dressing be prepared ahead?
Yes, mixing the yogurt-based dressing in advance helps deepen the flavors and simplifies assembly.
- → How can I add extra crunch?
Incorporate toasted walnuts or pine nuts to provide a delightful crunchy texture.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish features no meat and highlights cheeses and vegetables, perfect for vegetarian diets.
- → How should the salad be stored before serving?
Keep refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors and serve chilled for best taste.