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Flavorful Turkish Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt

Flavorful Turkish Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt

This Flavorful Turkish Pasta Salad with Greek Yogurt is a refreshing and creamy dish combining tender short pasta, crisp fresh vegetables, and a luscious Greek yogurt dressing infused with traditional Turkish spices like cumin and paprika. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or gatherings, it offers a vibrant, tangy flavor profile and a nutrient-dense meal option that is simple to prepare and versatile to serve.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 200g short pasta (penne or fusilli)

Vegetables

  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 200g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Dressing

  • 1 cup (240g) Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While pasta cooks, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and finely chop the fresh parsley to add freshness and crunch to the salad.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy, ensuring all spices are properly incorporated.
  4. Toss Salad Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta and prepared vegetables. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until the salad is evenly coated and vibrant.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the best taste and texture experience.

Notes

  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier dressing.
  • Ensure pasta is completely cooled before dressing to prevent thinning the sauce.
  • Mince garlic finely for balanced flavor without overpowering bites.
  • Chilling the salad enhances the melding of Turkish spices with the yogurt.
  • Adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, lemon juice) just before serving for perfect balance.

Nutrition

Keywords: Turkish pasta salad, Greek yogurt salad, creamy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad