This Lemon Pasta Salad is a perfect balance of refreshing flavors. The tangy lemon dressing blends beautifully with the creamy feta and fresh vegetables, making it a light yet satisfying dish. The toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, elevating the texture and flavor profile of this summer favorite.
It’s versatile, too! You can easily make this salad your own by adding protein like grilled chicken or shrimp, or adjusting the herbs based on what you have on hand. Serve it chilled for a refreshing side dish or a light meal on a hot day. This salad is a showstopper for any BBQ, potluck, or picnic, and it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
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2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cup diced cucumber
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1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
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1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
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1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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Zest of 1 lemon
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tsp honey
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
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1/2 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Directions:
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Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and basil.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
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Toss the cooled pasta with the vegetables and the lemon dressing until well combined.
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Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and toasted pine nuts over the salad before serving.
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Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 315 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Summer Dish
When the weather warms up and the days get longer, there’s nothing quite like a light and refreshing pasta salad to accompany your summer meals. Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad is a perfect dish to serve at picnics, barbecues, or casual gatherings. With its vibrant combination of fresh vegetables, zesty lemon dressing, and creamy feta, this salad is sure to become a crowd-pleaser. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also packed with fresh flavors that will leave you feeling satisfied without weighing you down. Whether you’re planning a summer party or just craving a simple yet flavorful dish, this pasta salad is the answer.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures
What sets Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad apart from other pasta salads is its perfect balance of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors. The base of this salad is made with your favorite pasta, cooked to al dente perfection, which creates a satisfying texture that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. The cherry tomatoes and cucumber add a burst of freshness, while the red onion provides a slight sharpness that cuts through the richness of the feta cheese. Speaking of feta, the crumbly, salty cheese adds a creamy yet tangy element to the salad, making it even more delicious.
The real star of this dish, however, is the zesty lemon dressing. Fresh lemon juice and zest combine with olive oil, Dijon mustard, and honey to create a dressing that is both tangy and slightly sweet. The Dijon mustard helps to emulsify the dressing, ensuring it clings to the pasta and vegetables, while the honey adds a hint of sweetness that balances the acidity of the lemon. Together, these ingredients make for a light yet flavorful dressing that perfectly complements the pasta and veggies.
The toasted pine nuts, though optional, are the finishing touch that really elevates the dish. These tiny, crunchy morsels add a nutty richness and a pleasant texture contrast to the soft pasta and creamy feta. Their subtle flavor pairs perfectly with the fresh herbs, such as parsley and basil, which provide a fragrant, aromatic boost to the overall taste.
A Versatile Dish for Any Occasion
One of the best things about Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad is how versatile it is. It can easily be adapted to suit different dietary preferences or to use whatever ingredients you have on hand. For instance, if you’re looking to make the salad vegan-friendly, you can simply omit the feta or substitute it with a dairy-free cheese alternative. If you want to add protein to the dish, grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can be a great addition. The salad is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables from your fridge, so feel free to experiment with different combinations based on what’s in season or what you have on hand.
This pasta salad is perfect for a variety of occasions. It makes an excellent side dish for barbecued meats, grilled fish, or roasted vegetables. It’s also great as a light meal on its own, especially on a warm summer day when you don’t feel like cooking anything heavy. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner, taking it to a potluck, or packing it for a picnic, Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad is sure to impress your guests with its fresh and vibrant flavors.
Nutritional Benefits of Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad
Not only is Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad delicious, but it’s also a relatively healthy choice compared to many traditional pasta salads. While pasta can be high in carbohydrates, it provides a good source of energy and can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. The fresh vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions offer a variety of vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial for your overall health. Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, while tomatoes provide a good dose of vitamin C, lycopene, and other nutrients. The fresh herbs like parsley and basil are rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation and promote better digestion.
The olive oil in the dressing provides healthy fats that are good for your heart, and the pine nuts add additional healthy fats along with a small amount of protein. If you’re looking to boost the protein content even further, adding grilled chicken or chickpeas can make the dish more filling while still keeping it light and nutritious.
Easy to Make and Great for Meal Prep
Another reason why Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad is a fantastic dish is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal preparation time, you can create a meal that tastes fresh and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The salad comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Additionally, it can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge, allowing the flavors to marinate and intensify. The salad keeps well for up to three days, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Tips for Making the Best Lemon Pasta Salad
To ensure your Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:
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Cook the pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta can become mushy and soggy when mixed with the dressing. Be sure to cook the pasta just until it’s al dente to keep it firm and enjoyable to eat.
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Cool the pasta: After cooking the pasta, rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming too soft. This also helps the pasta absorb the dressing better.
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Use fresh ingredients: The key to making this salad stand out is using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Opt for ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
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Adjust the dressing to your taste: The lemon dressing can be easily tweaked to suit your personal preferences. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add more lemon juice or zest. If you like it a bit sweeter, add an extra drizzle of honey.
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Add-ins and substitutions: Don’t be afraid to make this salad your own. Add grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or other nuts and seeds to customize the salad to your liking.
Conclusion:
Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, packing a picnic, or looking for a healthy meal option, this salad checks all the boxes. With its combination of fresh vegetables, creamy feta, zesty lemon dressing, and crunchy pine nuts, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and is a great way to showcase the bright, vibrant flavors of summer.