Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe

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This tzatziki pasta salad recipe is loaded with fresh vegetables & bright herbs in a creamy tangy dressing. A simple and refreshing vegetarian side dish for a summer barbecue, cookout, or potluck.  

This tzatziki pasta is loaded with fresh cucumbers, chopped veggies, cooked pasta, and dressed in a tangy tzatziki yogurt sauce.  It’s a crowd-pleaser appetizer that everyone will love!

Its finally summer here on our homestead – we got the BBQ out, the tiki torches lit, and are enjoying the long summer days and warm nights.  Pasta salads are my favorite recipes to make in the summer to serve with grilled veggie burgers or kabobs, and this tzatziki pasta salad is an fabulous side dish to accompany your BBQ cookout.

I love a nice grilled veggie burger with Marinated Veggie Kabobs, my dad’s famous Coleslaw Recipe, and this bright and fresh tangy tzatziki pasta is always a hit. This is one of my favorite sides for barbecuing, it goes great with anything coming off the grill!

This Tzatziki Pasta Salad Recipe Is

• Packed with flavor
• Versatile: use or substitute whatever ingredients you have on hand
• Creamy and rich
• Loaded with fresh vegetables
• Herby and bright
• Easily vegetarian and high in protein
• Great to make ahead or meal prep for the week!

What Is Tzatziki Sauce?

Tzatziki is a traditional herb, cucumber, and yogurt dip, that is popular in Greek cuisine. It’s traditionally served along side pita bread or main dishes as a dip. It may have gotten in’s origins from an Indian raita dip.

What’s In This Tzatziki Pasta Salad?

Be sure to visit the recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and recipe instructions!

• Pasta – I used rotini for a fun shape, which the tzatziki sauce really sticks to! You can use a gluten free version if desired.
• Cucumbers
• Carrots
• Red Onion
• Kalamata Olives: make sure they are pitted! I love the rich briny flavor of these herby kalamata olives, which have a purple hue and a really nice flavor.
• Fresh Parsley and Dill
• Greek Yogurt – use a dairy free variety if you are vegan or eat plant-based!  Or if you aren’t vegan, then use normal Greek Yogurt – just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened.
• Fresh garlic cloves
• Onion Powder: adds a delicious and savory flavor to this dish as well, and the onion powder pairs nicely with the raw onion in the salad.
• Red Wine Vinegar: I used red wine vinegar for the marinade to give this dish a really nice bright Mediterranean flavor – for that, this red wine vinegar is my go-to!

Vegan or Gluten Free Substitutions

This pasta salad with a Greek Yogurt dressing is creamy and delicious!

To make it vegan or dairy free use a dairy-free yogurt. Plain coconut or soy yogurt can be a great option.  Just make sure the yogurt is plain and unsweetened.

To make it gluten free, ensure that the pasta and any pantry ingredients you use are certified gluten free before adding. 

How Do I Make This Pasta Salad with Tzatziki Dressing?

1. In a large pot, cook the pasta according to package instructions.  Drain, set aside, and allow to cool.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the pasta, cucumbers, carrots, onion, kalamata olives, bell pepper, and parsley.  Toss to combine.
3. In a mason jar (I find this easier than a bowl), add the Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, oregano, and fresh dill.  Shake well to combine, adding 1 teaspoon of water if dressing is too thick.
4. Pour dressing over the pasta salad, and toss well to combine.  Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving, and enjoy!

Simple Tzatziki Pasta Recipes 

This tzatziki pasta is the tastiest, freshest appetizer or side salad. It’s perfect for a hearty side dish for the family, and also great to make for company if you are having guests for dinner.

It makes a great summer pasta dish as well – a simple vegetarian recipe to serve with a BBQ. Pasta is a fast and inexpensive meal. It takes only 20 minutes to cook, so you can enjoy extra time to prep sides or a salad. Browse all our pasta recipes here!

More Fresh Pasta Salads You’ll Love!

Coleslaw Pasta Salad (Vegan, Dairy Free)

The Absolute BEST Greek Pasta Salad (Vegan Options)

Swim Meet Pasta Salad to Feed a Crowd (Vegetarian, Party Recipe)

Classic Macaroni Salad with Greek Yogurt (Vegan & GF Options)

Spicy Peanut Sesame Noodles (Vegan Pantry Staple Recipe)

Share This Vegetarian Tzatziki Pasta Salad

If you made this recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you!

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