Get ready to transform your ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary experience with this herby spring pasta salad! Imagine a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines the perfect balance of crisp vegetables, tangy feta, and aromatic herbs, all dressed in a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping side dish for your next gathering, this Italian-inspired pasta salad is about to become your new obsession. Packed with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor, it's so delicious that you'll want to make it again and again!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber into small, uniform cubes.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Finely chop fresh parsley and basil, ensuring herbs are clean and dry before cutting.
- Create the dressing by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, then gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Add chopped herbs to the salad and mix gently to distribute evenly.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Cook pasta al dente: The key to a great pasta salad is perfectly cooked pasta. Aim for a slight firmness to prevent mushiness when chilled.
- Cool pasta quickly: Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from continuing to soften.
- Pat herbs dry: Ensure your fresh herbs are completely dry before chopping to prevent wilting and maintain their vibrant color.
- Let it marinate: Refrigerating the salad for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Customize your protein: While this recipe is versatile, feel free to add grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp to make it a complete meal.
- Fresh is best: Use the freshest herbs and vegetables you can find for maximum flavor and crunch.
- Serve chilled: This pasta salad is best enjoyed cold, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
