Greek Yogurt Christmas Pasta

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 is a favorite at every holiday gathering in my family, bringing everyone together with its fresh 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.

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This recipe always reminds me of joyous holiday moments shared around the table with loved ones enjoying every bite together.

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 per serving

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This festive pasta salad is perfect for any holiday table and can be customized easily to suit your taste preferences.

Common recipe questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, rotini or fusilli work best to hold the dressing, but other short pasta shapes like penne or farfalle are good alternatives.

→ How do I make the dressing creamy?

Using full-fat Greek yogurt combined with mayonnaise and Dijon mustard creates a smooth, creamy texture that coats the pasta evenly.

→ Can this be prepared ahead of time?

Absolutely. Chilling for at least 30 minutes allows flavors to meld, making it ideal for advance preparation and potlucks.

→ What cheeses are included?

The dish uses sharp cheddar, crumbled feta, and grated parmesan to add depth and savory notes.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the combination of cheeses and Greek yogurt dressing makes it vegetarian-friendly without meat ingredients.

→ Can I add protein to this dish?

Diced cooked chicken or turkey can be added for extra protein, enhancing the dish’s heartiness.