Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary ingredients into a symphony of freshness and zest – that's exactly what this Light and Zesty Pasta Salad delivers! Perfect for summer picnics, quick lunches, or as a show-stopping side dish, this recipe is about to become your new culinary obsession. With a vibrant mix of crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and a bright lemon dressing, this pasta salad isn't just a meal; it's a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Ensure that the pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese are ready for use.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the 8 oz of pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and finely chop the red onion. Slice the olives and crumble the feta cheese. Set all the prepared ingredients aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help cool the pasta and prevent it from becoming mushy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta cheese. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can be done in the refrigerator if you prefer it chilled.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve in bowls and enjoy your light and zesty pasta salad!
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: The key to a great pasta salad is perfectly cooked pasta. Avoid overcooking to prevent a mushy texture.
- Chill before serving: Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes to allow flavors to meld. For an extra refreshing version, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
- Customize your ingredients: Feel free to swap vegetables or add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a complete meal.
- Dress just before serving: Add the dressing right before serving to keep the salad crisp and prevent soggy vegetables.
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your vegetables and herbs can make a huge difference in the final taste of the salad.Pro tip: This pasta salad tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for meal prep or potlucks!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
