Name: Greek Yogurt Ranch Pasta Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (rotini or penne); 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded; 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I enjoy making this Greek yogurt ranch pasta salad when I want something creamy yet refreshing. It combines tender pasta with crisp vegetables and a lighter ranch-style dressing made with Greek yogurt.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how this recipe offers all the creamy comfort of a classic pasta salad but with a healthier twist. The Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor while keeping the dish light. I also appreciate how easy it is to customize with different vegetables or proteins, making it perfect for gatherings or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta (such as rotini or penne)
Greek yogurt
mayonnaise
ranch seasoning mix
lemon juice
garlic powder
salt
black pepper
cherry tomatoes, halved
cucumber, diced
red onion, finely chopped
cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
fresh parsley or dill

Directions

I start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, then I drain it and let it cool completely.

In a large bowl, I mix together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

I add the cooled pasta to the bowl, followed by the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cheese.

I toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the dressing.

I finish by sprinkling fresh herbs on top and refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors blend.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings.
Prep time is around 15 minutes, and total time is about 30 minutes including chilling.

Variations

When I want extra crunch, I include bell peppers or celery. I also like swapping cheddar for mozzarella or feta depending on the flavor I’m going for.

storage/reheating

I store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it thickens too much, I stir in a little milk or yogurt before serving. I don’t reheat this dish since I prefer it chilled.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?

I often prepare it a day in advance, and it tastes even better after chilling.

Can I use only Greek yogurt without mayonnaise?

I sometimes skip the mayonnaise, but I find that using a little helps improve the texture and flavor.

What pasta shape works best?

I like using short pasta like rotini or penne because it holds the dressing well.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out?

I make sure not to overcook it and mix it with enough dressing while it’s slightly warm.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

It is already vegetarian, and I just ensure the ranch seasoning I use doesn’t contain any animal-based ingredients.

Conclusion

I find this Greek yogurt ranch pasta salad to be a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors. It’s simple to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser whether I serve it at a picnic or as a quick side dish.

Greek Yogurt Ranch Pasta Salad

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A creamy yet refreshing pasta salad made with Greek yogurt ranch dressing, tender pasta, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs for a lighter twist on a classic dish.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (rotini or penne)
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese, cubed or shredded
2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool completely.
In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Add cooled pasta to the bowl.
Stir in cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and cheese.
Toss everything until evenly coated with the dressing.
Sprinkle fresh herbs on top and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.