Greek Pasta Salad with Tzatziki Dressing

In the realm of refreshing and satisfying meals, Greek Pasta Salad stands out as a vibrant option that combines a medley of fresh vegetables, savory feta cheese, and a creamy tzatziki dressing. This dish not only offers a burst of Mediterranean flavors but also serves as a delightful addition to any meal, whether as a side or a standalone lunch. The bright colors and rich textures of the ingredients make it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate, while its easy preparation ensures that it can fit seamlessly into any busy lifestyle.

Greek Pasta Salad with Tzatziki Dressing

Discover the vibrant and refreshing Greek Pasta Salad with Tzatziki Dressing, a delightful blend of fresh vegetables, savory feta, and creamy yogurt dressing. This dish not only bursts with Mediterranean flavors but also offers essential nutritional benefits from wholesome ingredients like whole grain pasta, colorful veggies, and tangy feta. Perfect for summer picnics or a light lunch, enjoy a taste of Greece that's as nourishing as it is satisfying.

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Ingredients

8 oz fusilli pasta (or your choice of pasta)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (either red or yellow), diced

½ red onion, finely chopped

½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

1 cup crumbled feta cheese

¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Dressing:

1 cup Greek yogurt

1 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to halt the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

Prepare the Vegetables:

While the pasta cooks, wash and chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Add all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl, combining them to create a colorful base for your salad.

Make the Tzatziki Dressing:

In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (ensuring it’s well-drained), minced garlic, dill, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Whisk the ingredients until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as desired for the perfect flavor.

Combine Salad Ingredients:

Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl containing the chopped vegetables. Next, introduce the Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and freshly chopped parsley to the mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together to combine.

Dress the Salad:

Drizzle the tzatziki dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Carefully toss everything together until well coated and evenly mixed, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Taste the salad and add additional salt and pepper if needed.

Chill and Serve:

For optimal flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes prior to serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled, garnished with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy a refreshing taste of Greece!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

- Presentation Tips: Serve in a large, colorful bowl or individual plates, garnished with extra crumbled feta and a sprinkle of fresh dill for an eye-catching finish.