Creamy Feta and Tomato Rotini Pasta Salad

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Creamy Feta and Tomato Rotini Pasta Salad Recipe

Description

Creamy Feta and Tomato Rotini Pasta Salad is a fresh, colorful, and flavorful dish that combines tender pasta, juicy tomatoes, creamy feta cheese, crunchy vegetables, and a delicious homemade dressing. This easy pasta salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, BBQ parties, potlucks, family lunches, or a quick make-ahead meal. The spiral shape of rotini pasta holds the creamy dressing beautifully, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The tangy feta cheese adds a rich Mediterranean touch, while fresh tomatoes, herbs, and vegetables bring brightness and texture to the dish. This recipe is simple to prepare and can be customized with your favorite ingredients such as olives, cucumbers, roasted peppers, or grilled chicken for extra protein. The creamy dressing creates the perfect balance between tangy, savory, and refreshing flavors, making this pasta salad a crowd favorite. Whether served as a side dish or a light main meal, Creamy Feta and Tomato Rotini Pasta Salad is a delicious recipe that brings fresh ingredients and comforting flavors together in one bowl.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Salad

  • 12 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • ½ cup black olives, sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • ½ cup roasted red peppers, chopped (optional)

For the Creamy Feta Dressing

  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Additions

  • Grilled chicken pieces
  • Chickpeas
  • Spinach leaves
  • Avocado slices
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Crushed red pepper flakes

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta according to package instructions until tender but still slightly firm. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables
    While the pasta cools, prepare the vegetables. Cut cherry tomatoes in half, dice cucumber, chop red onion, and prepare fresh herbs. Set aside.
  3. Make the Creamy Feta Dressing
    In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, feta cheese, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
  4. Combine the Ingredients
    Add cooled rotini pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, roasted peppers, parsley, and basil. Gently toss everything together.
  5. Add the Dressing
    Pour the creamy feta dressing over the pasta mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Chill Before Serving
    Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend together and makes the salad even more delicious.
  7. Serve
    Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss and add extra feta cheese, herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Tips, Notes & Q&A

Tips:

  • Cook pasta just until al dente so it stays firm after mixing with the dressing.
  • Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
  • Use fresh feta cheese for the best creamy and tangy flavor.
  • Allow the salad to chill before serving because the flavors improve over time.
  • Add dressing gradually if preparing ahead, as pasta absorbs dressing while resting.
  • Use colorful vegetables to make the salad more attractive and flavorful.

Notes:

  • Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • If the salad becomes dry after refrigeration, add a little yogurt, olive oil, or lemon juice before serving.
  • This recipe is perfect for meal prep because it stays fresh and flavorful.
  • For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt.
  • Add protein such as chicken or chickpeas to turn it into a complete meal.

Q&A:

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes. It can be prepared several hours or one day ahead. Keep it refrigerated and mix before serving.

Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Bowtie, penne, shells, or macaroni pasta work well too.

What can I use instead of feta cheese?
Goat cheese, mozzarella, or ricotta can be used, but feta gives the classic Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes. This recipe is naturally vegetarian. Simply enjoy it as written or add extra vegetables for more flavor.

Servings & Nutrition

Servings: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving:
Calories: 350
Protein: 12g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 4g
Fat: 16g
Sugar: 5g

Creamy Feta and Tomato Rotini Pasta Salad is a refreshing, creamy, and satisfying recipe that brings Mediterranean-inspired flavors to your table. It is easy to prepare, full of fresh ingredients, and perfect for any occasion.

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