Description
This vibrant Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad combines al dente pasta with fresh vegetables, tangy feta cheese, and a zesty lemon herb dressing, making it a perfect light lunch or picnic dish that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 12 oz rotini or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
- zest of 1 lemon
Lemon Herb Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, sliced kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, dill, basil, and lemon zest. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl or jar with a lid, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is well emulsified and combined.
- Toss the Salad with Dressing: Pour the lemon herb dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is coated with the flavorful dressing.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to a container with a lid, then chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld for the best taste when served.
Notes
- This pasta salad can be made up to one day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator for convenience and enhanced flavor.
- For additional protein, consider adding grilled chicken breast slices or canned chickpeas to make it more filling.
- This dish is perfect for outdoor gatherings like picnics or potlucks, as well as for light, healthy lunches on warm days.
- Use freshly chopped herbs to maximize the bright, fresh flavor of the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook (after boiling pasta)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 360 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
