Description
This Lemon Summer Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm weather. It combines tender pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon dressing.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad:
- 8 ounces short pasta (like rotini or bowtie)
Vegetables:
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Additional Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or Dijon mustard
- salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, feta cheese, and basil.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, honey or mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until well coated. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
Notes
- Add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or avocado for extra protein.
- This salad can be made a day ahead—just give it a quick toss before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
