bowl of yogurt dill pasta salad with fresh dill and lemon slices

Pasta salad recipes

yogurt dill pasta salad: a refreshing twist on a classic

By:

GuideMyRecipe

Published:

16 Oct 2025

Must-Have Products I Use & Recommend!

Personal Note
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
I remember the first time I tried a pasta salad with a yogurt-based dressing. It was at a summer barbecue, and honestly, I was skeptical. But one bite, and I was hooked! The usual heavy mayonnaise was gone, replaced by a light, tangy, and incredibly refreshing sauce. The flavors just popped! This Yogurt Dill Pasta Salad is my take on that experience, tweaked and perfected over several summers. What does this mean for you? You're about to discover a new go-to salad recipe!
close up of yogurt dill dressing being mixed with pasta
What makes this salad special is the harmonious blend of creamy yogurt, zesty lemon, and the herbaceous notes of fresh dill. It's a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Feel free to add your favorite veggies – cucumber, bell peppers, tomatoes, or even some grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein. Don't have dill? That's completely alright! Parsley works great, too. It's okay to experiement. Make the salad your own!
a variety of fresh vegetables being chopped for a pasta salad
One of my friends told me about their fun hiking experience in the mountains and how this salad was perfect for their picnic! It's not only tasty but also stays well, making it ideal for outdoor adventures or gatherings where you want something light, flavorful, and easy to transport. I know how difficult it can be to prep sometimes so that's why the fact that this only needs a short amount of prep time, makes it the perfect dish to make. Now lets move on to the recipe, shall we?
yogurt dill pasta salad served in mason jars for a picnic

Required Equipments

  • Large Pot
  • Colander
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Yogurt Dill Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic: Frequently Asked Questions

Yogurt Dill Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic

This Yogurt Dill Pasta Salad recipe combines the creamy tang of Greek yogurt with the bright, herbaceous flavor of fresh dill for a delightful, healthier twist on a classic pasta salad. Quick to prepare and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 4 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne work great) and cook according to package directions until al dente. Nobody likes mushy pasta so don't over do it! Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Make sure to drain all the water; soggy pasta equals a soggy salad, and nobody wants that.
  2. Prepare the Yogurt Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, fresh dill (finely chopped), lemon juice, olive oil, garlic (minced), salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you like a bit more tang, add a splash more lemon juice. If you want more flavor, up the garlic!
  3. Chop the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop your desired vegetables. Cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes are all fantastic choices. Feel free to get creative and add whatever veggies you have on hand. Just be sure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chopped vegetables to the bowl with the yogurt dressing. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing. Make sure not to over mix, which can make the salad soggy.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill. The longer it sits, the better it tastes! Garnish with extra fresh dill and a lemon wedge before serving. This is my personal favorite part!
  6. Optional additions; add protein: If your looking to add some extra protein to your dish, consider adding Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or feta cheese.

📝 Notes

  • For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
  • This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 15 g

Fat: 12 g

Carbohydrates: 45 g

Fiber: 4 g

Calcium: 100 mg

A simple salad can be a symphony of flavors if you just let the ingredients sing.

Want delicious updates straight to your inbox?

FOLLOW US

© 2025 GuideMyRecipe. All Rights Reserved.