Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 12 oz. al dente bowtie pasta, cooled to room temp
- 1 (15 oz.) can garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup black olives, sliced
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon paprika
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper, to taste
Dill Yogurt Sauce Ingredients
- (Ingredients for quick and easy dill yogurt sauce, typically Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper – estimated at) 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooled bowtie pasta, drained chickpeas, halved grape tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumbers, sliced black olives, crumbled feta cheese, finely diced red onion, and chopped fresh dill. Mix gently to combine all the salad ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper until the dressing is emulsified and well combined.
- Toss the Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated evenly with the flavorful dressing.
- Prepare the Dill Yogurt Sauce: In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt with finely chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the dressed pasta salad to a serving platter. Drizzle the dill yogurt sauce over the top.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish the salad with extra fresh chopped dill for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy this quick, delicious, and nutritious pasta salad.
Notes
- Make sure pasta is cooled to room temperature before tossing with dressing to prevent wilting vegetables and cheese.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta cheese with a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free yogurt for the sauce.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and refrigerated, but add the yogurt sauce just before serving for best texture.
- Adjust seasoning to taste especially salt and pepper, as feta and olives can be quite salty.
- This salad is great served chilled and makes an excellent meal prep option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for pasta cooking, not included if pre-cooked or store-bought)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
