zesty pasta salad recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best zesty pasta salad recipe

I’ve been making this zesty pasta salad recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. My kids love it because it’s a fun twist on regular pasta, and I love it because it’s so easy to make and packed with nutrients. The best part is that you can customize it to your taste with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

I like to use a variety of colorful bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers to add some crunch and flavor. The pasta itself is a great source of complex carbohydrates, and when you add in some lean protein like grilled chicken or tofu, it makes for a satisfying meal. Plus, the zesty dressing is made with fresh herbs like parsley and dill, which gives it a bright and refreshing flavor.

This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. It’s also great for meal prep because you can make the salad on the weekend and store it in the fridge for up to three days. I like to serve it as a main course or as a side dish for BBQs or picnics.

The best part is that you can customize it to your taste with your favorite vegetables and seasonings. My family loves this recipe because it’s so versatile and delicious. We’ve taken it to parties, picnics, and even used it as a base for other dishes like pasta bowls or salads.

It’s really hard to mess up this recipe because you can use whatever ingredients you have on hand. Just be sure to use high-quality ingredients like fresh herbs and good olive oil to get the best flavor out of this dish.

Zesty Pasta Salad

4.8 from 1892 votes

A vibrant and tangy pasta salad loaded with fresh vegetables and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time10 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time25 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 320 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

12 oz (340g) rotini or fusilli pasta
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup black olives, sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

For the Zesty Vinaigrette

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
2Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water for about 30 seconds to stop the cooking process.
4Shake off excess water and let it cool completely.
5While the pasta cools, prepare the vinaigrette by combining olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
6Whisk vigorously until the dressing is emulsified and smooth.
7In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese.
8Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
9Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top and toss once more.
10Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large mixing bowl
Small bowl or jar
Whisk or fork
Cutting board
Chef’s knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 320 kcal🧈Total Fat: 16g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 36g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 4g🥩Protein: 9g

📝Notes

For extra zest, add the zest of one lemon to the vinaigrette. This salad can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator; stir before serving.

Watch Video Of How Zesty Pasta Salad Works

This zesty pasta salad recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re hosting a party or just need a quick weeknight dinner option.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that you can customize it to your taste with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.

Another great thing about this recipe is that it’s so easy to store – simply refrigerate it at 40°F (4°C) or below until serving time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Zesty Pasta Salad

Q: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

A: You can use any type of pasta you prefer, but I find that bow-tie or penne work best because they hold onto the dressing nicely.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the salad on the weekend and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure to keep it refrigerated at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Q: How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

A: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, be sure to cook it al dente before mixing it with the dressing.

Q: Can I add protein like grilled chicken or tofu to this recipe?

A: Yes, adding protein like grilled chicken or tofu is a great way to make this salad more filling and satisfying.

Q: How do I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?

A: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes altogether.

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