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Pasta salads have become a staple of summer gatherings and backyard barbecues, offering a refreshing and versatile option for warm-weather dining. Among the many variations available, Creamy Greek Pasta Salad stands out for its vibrant colors and delightful combination of flavors. This dish not only pleases the palate but also nourishes the body, making it a perfect addition to any meal. With its medley of fresh vegetables, hearty pasta, and creamy dressing, the Creamy Greek Pasta Salad is both a crowd-pleaser and a nutritious choice that caters to a variety of dietary preferences.

Creamy Greek Pasta Salad

Discover the vibrant flavors of summer with this Creamy Greek Pasta Salad recipe! Perfect for gatherings or everyday meals, this dish features rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and briny Kalamata olives, all enveloped in a creamy yogurt dressing. Easy to prepare and visually appealing, it's a wonderful side for grilled meats or a hearty main course. Bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your table and enjoy a nutritious salad that's both satisfying and delicious!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz rotini or fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced into small pieces

1 bell pepper (red or yellow), diced into bite-sized pieces

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved

1 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (plain)

1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably light)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or basil leaves, torn or chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, prepare the fresh vegetables. Chop the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Add all these chopped veggies into a large mixing bowl for easy combining later.

      Mix the Dressing: In a medium-sized bowl, use a whisk to combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring it's well blended.

        Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss everything together with a spatula until all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing.

          Add Feta and Olives: Carefully fold in the Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese into the pasta salad, making sure they are distributed evenly but without breaking the feta too much.

            Chill & Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

              Enjoy Your Salad: When ready to serve, give the salad a gentle toss and garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves if using. Serve chilled as a delightful side dish or a light meal that’s perfect for warm weather!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6