This Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, fresh, and satisfying. The combination of crunchy vegetables, tangy feta, and creamy yogurt dressing makes each bite refreshing and flavorful. It’s the ideal side dish for barbecues, picnics, or casual meals, and it pairs beautifully with any grilled proteins or as a standalone vegetarian option.
Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering or just craving something light and easy, this dish delivers on both taste and convenience. The creamy dressing holds all the ingredients together, making it a wonderful comfort food that’s also packed with fresh, healthy ingredients. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite vegetables or seasonings, allowing you to make it uniquely yours!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) ditalini pasta
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup cucumber, diced
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1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/4 cup black olives, sliced
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1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 cup Greek yogurt
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook the ditalini pasta according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside to cool completely.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, olive oil, white wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
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Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad: A Perfect Blend of Freshness and Comfort
The Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that captures the essence of comfort and freshness in a single bite. This vibrant salad, with its creamy texture and fresh ingredients, is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a light main course. It is ideal for picnics, barbecues, potlucks, and casual weeknight dinners. Packed with delicious, wholesome ingredients, this pasta salad offers a perfect balance between creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty yet refreshing meal.
The Versatility of Ditalini Pasta Salad
Pasta salads are a classic choice for many gatherings, and the Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad is no exception. Ditalini, a small, tube-shaped pasta, is the star of this dish. Its bite-sized shape makes it perfect for absorbing the creamy dressing, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The versatility of this salad lies not just in the use of ditalini pasta, but in the array of ingredients that can be added to make it unique and suited to different tastes and dietary preferences.
One of the best features of this dish is its adaptability. Whether you’re serving it as a side to accompany grilled chicken, fish, or a vegetarian entrée, or making it the star of the show as a light meal, this pasta salad will work for any occasion. The base of the salad is simple and straightforward, but it can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Add some grilled vegetables for extra flavor, toss in some protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas, or even spice things up with a dash of chili flakes. The possibilities are endless, and it’s this flexibility that makes the Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad a go-to recipe for many home cooks.
A Healthier Twist: Substituting Ingredients
While this dish is already a crowd-pleaser, there are plenty of ways to adjust it to cater to different dietary needs. For those following a healthier lifestyle, you can easily lighten up the recipe by swapping out traditional ingredients for healthier alternatives.
For instance, the mayonnaise in the creamy dressing can be substituted with Greek yogurt or avocado to create a lighter, yet still creamy, dressing. Greek yogurt is rich in protein and calcium, while avocado adds healthy fats to the mix. If you’re following a dairy-free or vegan diet, swapping out the feta cheese for a dairy-free alternative, or omitting the cheese altogether, is a great way to keep the dish vegan-friendly without compromising on flavor.
If you’re gluten-sensitive, the recipe can easily be modified by using gluten-free pasta. There are many high-quality gluten-free pasta options available that can still provide the texture and satisfaction of traditional pasta without any gluten. These small swaps ensure that the salad remains delicious and satisfying, no matter your dietary restrictions.
The Health Benefits of Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad
While many pasta salads are often seen as indulgent side dishes, the Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad can be made into a healthy, nutrient-dense option with the right ingredients. By incorporating fresh vegetables like cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions, you’re adding valuable vitamins and antioxidants. Cucumbers are rich in water, which helps with hydration, while tomatoes provide a dose of vitamin C and lycopene, both of which are great for boosting the immune system.
Feta cheese, when used, adds a bit of protein and calcium, which are important for maintaining strong bones and muscles. It also contains probiotics, which promote a healthy gut. The addition of olive oil in the dressing not only adds flavor but also provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
When combined with ditalini pasta, which is a good source of carbohydrates, this dish offers a balanced meal that provides energy and nourishment. It’s also a great way to enjoy the benefits of vegetables and healthy fats without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion
The Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad is incredibly versatile and works well for just about any occasion. It’s a great option for a quick weeknight dinner when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Just boil the pasta, chop the veggies, mix them with the dressing, and you have a delicious and filling meal ready in no time.
On the other hand, this pasta salad is also perfect for special occasions. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, a family reunion, or a picnic in the park, this dish is sure to be a hit. Its vibrant colors and creamy texture make it an appealing addition to any spread, and it pairs well with just about anything, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
For potlucks and parties, the Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad is an excellent choice because it can be made in large quantities and served in a big bowl for easy sharing. It’s a dish that’s loved by everyone and can easily be made ahead of time, giving you more time to focus on other aspects of your event.
Customizing Your Salad
One of the best things about the Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad is that it’s a blank canvas that allows you to experiment with various ingredients and flavors. If you’re craving something a little more savory, you can add olives, capers, or roasted red peppers. If you love a touch of sweetness, consider adding some roasted corn, or even diced fruits like apples or pears.
Herbs also play a huge role in enhancing the flavor of the salad. Fresh parsley is a classic choice, but basil, mint, or dill can all bring a unique touch to the dish. You can even sprinkle in some freshly grated parmesan or a bit of lemon zest to elevate the flavors further.
If you like a bit of crunch, you can toss in some toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts. These provide a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta and vegetables. Similarly, adding some protein—whether it’s grilled chicken, chickpeas, or hard-boiled eggs can turn this dish into a complete meal.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, the Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad is more than just a delicious side dish it’s a flexible, customizable, and health-conscious recipe that can be enjoyed in countless ways. Whether you’re looking for a simple lunch, a vibrant addition to a picnic, or a potluck crowd-pleaser, this pasta salad is the answer. The creamy dressing and fresh vegetables make it a standout dish, and with the ability to tailor it to suit different dietary needs, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re looking for a fresh, creamy, and flavorful dish, give this Creamy Ditalini Pasta Salad a try you won’t be disappointed!
Let this recipe become a staple in your kitchen, and be sure to share it with friends and family at your next gathering. They’re sure to appreciate the fresh, flavorful twist on the classic pasta salad, and it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.