Pin It 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 favorite in our family, always bringing smiles and requests for seconds during gatherings.
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 It This salad always brings the family together at parties, with everyone enjoying its fresh and creamy flavors.
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
Pin It This Greek Yogurt Million Dollar Christmas Pasta Salad is the perfect festive dish to brighten your holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Rotini or fusilli are ideal as their twists hold the creamy dressing and mix well with the vegetables and cheeses.
- → Can this salad be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the pasta for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld and enhances the overall taste.
- → How can I add more protein to this dish?
Diced cooked chicken or turkey can be mixed in to boost protein content and make it more filling.
- → What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the dressing?
For a different flavor profile, you might substitute sour cream or a creamy plant-based alternative, though Greek yogurt adds unique tang and texture.
- → Are there any suggested pairings for this pasta?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon complement the creamy, tangy flavors well.
- → Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, using gluten-free pasta varieties ensures it's suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.