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Tzatziki Pasta Salad
Isla Marie

Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe

This Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe features rotini pasta, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion tossed in a tangy tzatziki dressing made with Greek yogurt, garlic, and dill. Ready in 25 minutes, it serves 4 as a main or 6 as a side, perfect for gatherings or meal prep. Below, you’ll find ingredients, equipment, instructions, and tips for a delicious Greek-inspired dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean, Vegan
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz rotini pasta: Or any short pasta use gluten-free if needed.
  • 1 medium cucumber: Diced or thinly sliced.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes: Halved.
  • 1/4 cup red onion: Thinly sliced.
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives: Pitted and halved optional.
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Optional for extra tang.
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill: Chopped or 1 tsp dried dill.
Tzatziki Dressing
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt: Full-fat for creaminess or dairy-free yogurt for vegan.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil: For richness.
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice: For brightness.
  • 1 clove garlic: Minced or grated.
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill: Chopped or 1 tsp dried dill.
  • 1/2 tsp salt: To taste.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground.
  • Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a slight kick

Equipment

  • Medium Pot: For boiling pasta.
  • Colander: To drain pasta.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: For tossing salad.
  • Small Bowl or Jar: For mixing dressing.
  • Cutting Board and Knife: For chopping vegetables.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accuracy.
  • Spatula or Spoon: For mixing.

Method
 

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini and cook per package instructions (8–10 minutes) until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside to cool.
  2. Prep Vegetables: Dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, slice red onion, and halve olives (if using).
  3. Make Tzatziki Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.
  4. Assemble Salad: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, olives, and feta (if using). Add tzatziki dressing and toss gently to coat.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh dill. Serve immediately or chill for 15–30 minutes for enhanced flavors.

Notes

Pasta Choice: Short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle holds dressing well; use gluten-free for dietary needs.
Make-Ahead: Prep pasta and veggies up to a day ahead; mix with dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free pasta and check olives/feta for additives.
Vegan Option: Swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free yogurt and omit feta or use vegan cheese.
Storage: Store undressed components separately to maintain freshness.