Mediterranean Tzatziki Pasta Salad with Cucumber & Olives
A refreshing, no-cook pasta salad featuring al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki dressing. This mediterranean-inspired salads (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs penne Pasta, diced Cucumber, halved Cherry tomatoes into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne Pasta
- 1/2 cup diced Cucumber
- 1/2 cup halved Cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced Red onion
- 1 cup Tzatziki
- 1 tbsp Lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook 8 oz penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and cool to room temperature.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, 1/2 cup diced cucumber, 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk 1 cup tzatziki, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Tzatziki Pasta Salad with Cucumber & Olives take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (25 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mediterranean Tzatziki Pasta Salad with Cucumber & Olives?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Tzatziki Pasta Salad with Cucumber & Olives?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mediterranean Tzatziki Pasta Salad with Cucumber & Olives for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Mediterranean Tzatziki Pasta Salad with Cucumber & Olives vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
This has become our go-to salads dish. We make it weekly.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
