Save A creamy festive pasta salad loaded with vibrant veggies sharp cheeses and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing&mdash perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks.
This salad quickly became our holiday favorite for potlucks and family dinners it's easy to prepare and always a crowd pleaser.
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
- Cook the pasta:
- 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.
- Make the dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl whisk together Greek yogurt mayonnaise Dijon mustard lemon juice honey garlic salt and black pepper until smooth.
- Combine:
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl. Toss to coat evenly with the dressing.
- Add cheeses and veggies:
- Gently fold in cheddar feta parmesan cherry tomatoes red bell pepper cucumber red onion olives sun-dried tomatoes and parsley.
- Chill:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Stir before serving and garnish with extra herbs or cheese if desired.
Save Making this pasta salad reminds me of joyful holiday gatherings with family and friends sharing stories and laughter 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 Enjoy this festive pasta salad as a delicious and easy addition to your holiday table that everyone will love.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short, twisted pastas like rotini or fusilli hold the dressing and mix-ins well, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- → Can the dressing be made ahead?
Yes, the Greek yogurt dressing can be prepared in advance and refrigerated to develop its flavors further.
- → What cheeses are included in the pasta?
This dish features sharp cheddar, crumbled feta, and grated parmesan for a balanced, rich flavor profile.
- → Are there vegetable options to substitute or add?
Additional fresh veggies like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red pepper, and olives enhance texture and taste, but feel free to customize per preference.
- → How should the salad be stored before serving?
Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and maintain freshness.