Pin 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 is a holiday staple in my family, loved by everyone for its rich flavors and easy prep.
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.
Pin This dish always brings my family together during the holidays, creating warm memories around the table.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 350 per serving, Total Fat: 19 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 14 g
Pin This pasta salad is a perfect make-ahead dish that keeps well and tastes even better the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Rotini or fusilli pasta are ideal as their twists hold the creamy dressing well, enhancing every bite.
- → Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld, and it can be made several hours ahead.
- → Is there a way to make it gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta for a gluten-free variety to accommodate dietary needs.
- → Which cheeses are included in the mix?
Sharp cheddar, crumbled feta, and grated parmesan provide a rich and tangy cheese blend.
- → What adds crunch or extra flavor to this dish?
Adding pine nuts, toasted walnuts, or diced cooked poultry can enhance texture and taste.