Craving a dish that's both incredibly delicious and ridiculously simple to make? Look no further! This Easy Pasta Salad with Yogurt Dressing is about to become your new go-to recipe for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or when you want something fresh and satisfying in just 25 minutes. Imagine a vibrant, creamy pasta salad that's packed with crisp vegetables and a tangy yogurt dressing that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse 1 cup of cherry tomatoes under cold water, then slice them in half. Peel and dice 1 cucumber into small cubes. Peel and finely dice 1/2 red onion. Set all the prepared vegetables aside.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the yogurt dressing. Add 1 cup of plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to drain completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and diced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- Pour the yogurt dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold the dressing into the salad until everything is well coated.
- Taste the pasta salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If desired, you can also add more lemon juice for extra tang.
- Once everything is mixed and seasoned to your liking, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- After chilling, give the pasta salad a good stir before serving. This dish can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Serve in individual bowls or on a large platter for sharing. Enjoy your Easy Pasta Salad with Yogurt Dressing!
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: Don't overcook your pasta! The perfect texture is key to a great pasta salad.
- Cool pasta completely: Rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
- Chill before serving: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what's in season or your personal preference.
- Make ahead friendly: This pasta salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or potlucks.
- Dressing tip: If the dressing seems too thick, thin it out with a little extra olive oil or lemon juice.
- For extra flavor: Consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the taste profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
