Save to Pins A creamy, festive pasta salad loaded with vibrant veggies, sharp cheeses, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing—perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks.
This salad has become a holiday favorite in my family, bringing everyone together around the table.
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 to Pins Making this pasta salad brings back fond memories of joyful holiday family gatherings.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 350 calories, 19 g total fat, 32 g carbohydrates, 14 g protein.
Tips for Serving
Pair this salad with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing combination.
Variations
Add diced cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein or include pine nuts or toasted walnuts for added crunch.
Save to Pins This Greek Yogurt Million Dollar Christmas Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit at your holiday table every year.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What kind of pasta works best in this dish?
Short, twisted pasta such as rotini or fusilli holds the creamy dressing well and provides a pleasing texture.
- → Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Yes, chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully, making it ideal for advance preparation.
- → What cheeses are included in the salad?
The salad combines sharp cheddar, crumbled feta, and grated parmesan for depth and richness.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the salad contains no meat and can be enjoyed as a vegetarian option.
- → Can I customize the dressing flavors?
The dressing blends Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper for a balanced tangy and creamy profile, but honey and garlic amounts can be adjusted to taste.
- → Are there suggested substitutions for dietary needs?
You can substitute whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta and add nuts like pine nuts or walnuts for crunch if desired.