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Fresh Greek Pasta Salad Recipe with Creamy Tzatziki Dressing

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A quick and easy fresh Greek pasta salad featuring spiral pasta, crisp veggies, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a creamy homemade tzatziki dressing. Perfect for summer lunches or light dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 medium English cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 small red onion, finely diced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 9-11 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally to avoid clumping.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely (about 5 minutes).
  3. While the pasta cooks, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the kalamata olives, finely dice the red onion if using, and chop the fresh dill and optional mint leaves.
  4. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust lemon or garlic to taste. Add a splash of cold water if a thinner dressing is desired.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
  6. Pour the creamy tzatziki dressing over the salad and gently toss until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the veggies or feta.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let flavors meld and chill.
  8. Before serving, give the salad a quick toss and garnish with extra fresh dill or mint if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent stickiness. Pat veggies dry to avoid watery dressing. Use thick Greek yogurt for best dressing texture. Chill salad for at least 20 minutes before serving to meld flavors. Adjust salt after combining due to feta and olives’ saltiness. For dairy-free, substitute coconut or almond yogurt and omit feta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek pasta salad, tzatziki dressing, summer salad, easy pasta salad, Mediterranean salad, healthy salad, creamy dressing

Find it online: https://juliamadeit.com/fresh-greek-pasta-salad-recipe-with-creamy-tzatziki-dressing-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/