Tzatziki Pasta Salad with Fresh Vegetables and Herb Dressing Recipe
A refreshing and healthy Tzatziki Pasta Salad featuring gluten-free rotini tossed with fresh cucumber, carrot, onion, bell pepper, kalamata olives, and parsley, all combined with a creamy homemade tzatziki dressing made from Greek yogurt, garlic, herbs, and tangy red wine vinegar. Perfect as a light lunch or side dish, this vibrant salad is easy to prepare, vegan-adaptable, and deliciously satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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 use fire-roasted jarred pepper)
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the 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 dill
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside to cool completely.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with diced cucumber, carrot, sweet onion, bell pepper, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh parsley. Toss gently to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing: In a mason jar or small bowl, add Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, and fresh chopped dill. Shake or whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well combined. If the dressing is too thick, add 1 teaspoon of water and mix again.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the tzatziki dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta and vegetables are fully coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy as a light, refreshing meal or side dish.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to adapt this recipe for gluten sensitivity.
- For a vegan version, substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- Fire-roasted jarred peppers can add a smoky flavor if fresh bell peppers are unavailable.
- Make sure the pasta is completely cooled before mixing to prevent wilting the fresh vegetables.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of dill and garlic in the dressing to suit your taste preference.
Keywords: Tzatziki Pasta Salad, Greek Pasta Salad, Gluten-Free Pasta Salad, Healthy Pasta Salad, Mediterranean Salad, Yogurt Dressing Salad
