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Classic Zesty Summer Pasta Salad

classic zesty summer pasta salad - featured image
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A quick and easy pasta salad with a zesty lemon-herb dressing, fresh veggies, and a perfect balance of flavors, ideal for summer cookouts and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz rotini or fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Drain well to avoid watery salad. Set aside.
  3. While the pasta cooks, halve 1 cup cherry tomatoes, dice 1 cup cucumber, finely chop 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion (if using), and slice 1/2 cup black olives.
  4. In a small bowl or jar, combine 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano. Whisk or shake vigorously until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. In a large bowl, toss cooled pasta with all prepared veggies and 1/2 cup shredded cheese.
  6. Pour the zesty dressing over the pasta mixture. Gently toss to coat everything evenly. If the salad seems dry, add a splash more olive oil or lemon juice.
  7. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. The salad tastes even better the next day.

Notes

Do not overcook pasta; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sogginess. Whisk dressing separately before adding. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes for best flavor. Use gluten-free pasta or vegan cheese to adapt diet. Add protein like grilled chicken or chickpeas to make it a main dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, summer salad, cookout recipe, zesty dressing, easy pasta salad, lemon herb dressing, rotini pasta salad

Find it online: https://ariaappetite.com/classic-zesty-summer-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-for-cookouts/