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Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy

Introduction

Looking for a quick and refreshing dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal? This Creamy Pasta Salad is the answer! Packed with fresh vegetables, tangy feta, and a luscious dressing, it’s not just delicious but also offers a great balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Plus, the combination of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in the dressing provides a creamy texture without being overly heavy, making it a lighter option for your pasta salad cravings.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 3 cups rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Vegetables
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, sliced black olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
3. Make the Dressing
   In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
4. Combine and Toss
   Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Garnish and Chill
   Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salad as a garnish. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Protein: 7g
• Carbs: 35g
• Fat: 15g

Benefits

This Creamy Pasta Salad is not only satisfying but also nutritious. The pasta provides energy-boosting carbohydrates, while the Greek yogurt adds a dose of protein and probiotics for gut health. The fresh vegetables contribute fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making this dish a wholesome choice for any meal.

FAQ

1. Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes! This pasta salad actually tastes better after it has chilled for a few hours, as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

2. How long will the pasta salad last in the fridge?
The Creamy Pasta Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While rotini works well because it holds the dressing nicely, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bow ties.

4. What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, you can substitute it with goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, or even cubed cheddar for a different flavor.

5. Is there a way to make this salad healthier?
Yes, you can make a few adjustments like using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of mayonnaise, or adding more fresh vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to boost the nutrient content.

6. Can I make this pasta salad vegan?
To make this pasta salad vegan, you can replace the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative, use plant-based yogurt, and skip the feta cheese or use a vegan feta substitute.