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 quickly became a holiday favorite in my family because of its balance of creamy and tangy flavors and its colorful presentation.
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 My family enjoys this salad at every holiday party, and it always brings everyone together around the table.
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
Calories: 350, Total Fat: 19 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 14 g per serving
Save This pasta salad is a sure way to impress guests with a festive and flavorful dish.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Rotini or fusilli pasta holds the dressing well with its spiral shape, preserving texture and flavor.
- → Can I substitute the dairy ingredients?
For creaminess, full-fat plain Greek yogurt is ideal; however, plant-based yogurt alternatives may be used with varying results.
- → How do the cheeses enhance the dish?
Cheddar, feta, and parmesan add sharpness and creaminess, balancing sweetness and acidity in the dressing.
- → Is it necessary to chill the salad before serving?
Chilling allows flavors to meld and intensifies the overall taste, enhancing the dish's richness and freshness.
- → Can additional proteins be added?
Diced cooked chicken or turkey can be incorporated for added protein without overpowering the existing flavors.