Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe
Nothing says “summer on a plate” quite like Tzatziki Pasta Salad. Imagine all of your favorite Mediterranean flavors—cool cucumber, tangy Greek yogurt, zippy lemon, and herby dill—swirling around twists of pasta and crisp, colorful veggies. This dish brings together freshness, flavor, and pure ease in perfect harmony. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, meal-prepping for the week, or wanting to liven up your weekday lunch, Tzatziki Pasta Salad is a total crowd-pleaser that’s as hearty as it is refreshing.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Tzatziki Pasta Salad is its beautiful simplicity. Every ingredient plays a role—adding color, crunch, creaminess, or zest—to deliver unbeatable taste and texture in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Rotini pasta (16 ounces): The twists are perfect for catching every drop of the creamy tzatziki dressing; use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Cucumber (1, diced): Delivers a refreshing crunch and pairs harmoniously with the yogurt sauce.
- Carrot (1, diced): Adds sweetness, color, and extra texture—truly brightens the mix.
- Sweet onion (1/2, diced): Offers gentle, aromatic bite without overpowering the other flavors.
- Bell pepper (1, diced): Use any color or even fire-roasted jarred peppers for extra punch and smoky depth.
- Kalamata olives (1/2 cup, chopped): Brings lovely brininess and a pop of purple-black to the salad.
- Fresh parsley (1/2 cup): Adds freshness and a touch of herbal brightness throughout the dish.
- Plain unsweetened Greek yogurt (1.5 cups): Opt for dairy-free if needed, this forms the lush base of the tzatziki dressing.
- Red wine vinegar (1/2 cup): Lifts all the other flavors and provides essential tang.
- Lemon (1/2, juiced): The juice brings zingy acidity and classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because a little raw garlic heat in tzatziki is not negotiable!
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds extra depth and a little sweetness to the dressing.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Delivers that essential Mediterranean herb note.
- Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, or 1/2 teaspoon dried): The unmistakable flavor of tzatziki; use fresh for the most vibrant result.
How to Make Tzatziki Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by filling your kitchen with that wonderful “about to eat pasta” anticipation! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini according to the package instructions. Aim for just shy of al dente so the noodles stay satisfyingly chewy after being dressed. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside, letting it cool completely. This ensures the pasta doesn’t soak up too much dressing and stays light and fluffy.
Step 2: Toss the Veggies
While the pasta cools, grab a big mixing bowl—one with plenty of room to toss. Add the diced cucumber, carrot, sweet onion, kalamata olives, bell pepper, and parsley. These fresh, chopped veggies deliver a rainbow of color and flavor to your Tzatziki Pasta Salad. Once your pasta’s no longer steaming hot, add it to the bowl and give everything a gentle toss to combine—you’ll already see the salad come to life!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Tzatziki Dressing
Now for the magic: the homemade tzatziki dressing. In a mason jar (it makes shaking so easy), combine Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, and chopped fresh dill. Tighten the lid and give it a really good shake until everything’s creamy and combined, adding a teaspoon of water if it feels too thick. This dressing is impossibly tangy and herby—just what your pasta salad craves.
Step 4: Bring It All Together and Chill
Pour the vibrant tzatziki dressing over your tossed pasta and veggies, making sure to coat every nook and cranny. Toss gently but thoroughly—trust me, you want every bite bursting with flavor. Once well combined, cover and refrigerate your Tzatziki Pasta Salad for at least an hour. This gives all the fresh flavors a chance to chill out together and meld, making the salad even more delicious when served cold.
How to Serve Tzatziki Pasta Salad
Garnishes
A finishing touch never hurts! Try sprinkling extra fresh dill, parsley, or a few cracks of black pepper over the top just before serving. For extra color and crunch, a handful of thinly sliced radishes or crumbled feta cheese will take the Tzatziki Pasta Salad right over the top.
Side Dishes
This salad is a scene-stealer, but it also pairs perfectly with grilled chicken, roasted salmon, falafel, or even a stack of warm pita bread. Its cool, creamy base makes it the ultimate refreshing side to any heated entrée, making any dinner spread instantly more exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to dazzle a dinner crowd? Serve the Tzatziki Pasta Salad in a large, shallow serving bowl dotted with extra olives and sprigs of dill. For picnics or meal prep, pack individual mason jars for easy, grab-and-go lunches. You can also pile it into romaine lettuce boats for a playful, handheld appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Good news—Tzatziki Pasta Salad keeps wonderfully! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making each new helping just as inviting. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and fresh bits.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for pasta salads with creamy yogurt dressings, as the texture can become unpleasantly grainy after thawing. For best results, enjoy your Tzatziki Pasta Salad fresh, or within a few days of making it.
Reheating
This salad truly shines when served cold or at room temperature—no reheating required. If you’d like it less chilled straight from the fridge, just let your serving sit out for a few minutes before digging in.
FAQs
Can I make this Tzatziki Pasta Salad vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite unsweetened dairy-free yogurt. Be sure any pasta you use is egg-free, and follow the rest of the recipe as written for a completely vegan feast.
What kind of pasta works best with this dressing?
Rotini is a classic choice since its curves catch the tzatziki beautifully, but fusilli or farfalle are fantastic alternatives. If you’re gluten-free, any sturdy pasta will shine in this recipe.
Can I prepare Tzatziki Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, in fact it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, as the flavors have time to meld! Just hold off on adding delicate garnishes (like fresh herbs or radishes) until just before serving for peak freshness.
What other veggies can I add?
Feel free to get creative! Cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, shredded red cabbage, or even spinach are delicious additions. The Tzatziki Pasta Salad is a versatile base ready for your personal spin.
Is it possible to make this salad nut-free?
Yes! There are no nuts in the ingredients as written, making this a naturally nut-free dish—perfect for potlucks and gatherings with allergy concerns.
Final Thoughts
If you crave a dish that’s nourishing, colorful, and singing with Mediterranean flavor, look no further than Tzatziki Pasta Salad. It’s a recipe I return to year after year, and I can’t wait for you and your loved ones to enjoy it just as much. Give it a try—it may just become your new picnic and party staple!
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Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Tzatziki Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the classic Greek flavors of tzatziki with pasta for a delicious twist. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Pasta Salad:
- 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 used fire-roasted jarred pepper))
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives (chopped )
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
Tzatziki 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
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain, set aside, and allow to cool.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cucumbers, carrots, onion, kalamata olives, bell pepper, and parsley. Toss to mix well.
- Make the Dressing: In a mason jar, combine Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, and dill. Shake well to combine, adding water if needed.
- Assemble: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing, Tossing
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: Tzatziki Pasta Salad, Greek Pasta Salad, Pasta Salad with Tzatziki Dressing
