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 has become a holiday staple in my family, bringing everyone together with its creamy and refreshing flavors.
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 This salad always brings joy at family dinners, reminding us of festive celebrations and togetherness.
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
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (cheese, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise), Eggs (mayonnaise), Wheat (pasta unless using gluten-free). May contain: Tree nuts if added as optional. Always check labels if you have severe allergies.
Save This pasta salad is a perfect final touch to your holiday table, guaranteed to impress your guests and family alike.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Rotini or fusilli work well as their twisted shapes hold the creamy dressing effectively.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully before serving.
- → What cheeses are included in the mix?
Sharp cheddar, crumbled feta, and grated parmesan combine for a tangy and rich cheese blend.
- → Is Greek yogurt essential for the dressing?
Greek yogurt provides creaminess and tang but can be substituted with sour cream for a similar effect.
- → Are there any suggested additions for extra protein?
Diced cooked chicken or turkey can be added to enhance protein content and flavor.