What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short, twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli hold the dressing well and provide great texture.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s great for preparing in advance.

Using full-fat Greek yogurt enhances creaminess, but you can adjust mayonnaise amounts to suit your preference.

Sharp cheddar, feta, and parmesan contribute different textures and flavors; you can substitute with similar firm or crumbly cheeses.

A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon complements the tangy and creamy flavors nicely.

A creamy festive pasta salad loaded with vibrant veggies sharp cheeses and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing—perfect for holiday gatherings and potlucks.

This pasta salad quickly became a holiday favorite for my family because of its fresh flavors and easy prep.

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

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.

My family loves gathering around this dish during the holidays making memories with every bite.

You can easily swap the cheeses or add cooked chicken for extra protein.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pair with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing combo.

This festive pasta salad is sure to be the star at your holiday table every year.

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?: Short, twisted pasta like rotini or fusilli hold the dressing well and provide great texture.
→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?: Yes, chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s great for preparing in advance.
→ How can I adjust creaminess in the dressing?: Using full-fat Greek yogurt enhances creaminess, but you can adjust mayonnaise amounts to suit your preference.
→ Are there suitable substitutions for some cheeses?: Sharp cheddar, feta, and parmesan contribute different textures and flavors; you can substitute with similar firm or crumbly cheeses.
→ What is a good beverage pairing?: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or sparkling water with lemon complements the tangy and creamy flavors nicely.