This bright and vibrant Lemon Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of fresh vegetables and zesty lemon dressing, making it the perfect side dish for any summer occasion. The creamy feta cheese and Kalamata olives add a wonderful saltiness, balancing the bright, tangy notes from the lemon.
Not only is this pasta salad delicious, but it’s also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side dish at your next BBQ, picnic, or potluck, or enjoy it as a light lunch. The crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and red onions give the salad a satisfying crunch, while the pasta provides a hearty base. This dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb elbow macaroni
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 cucumber, chopped
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1 red onion, thinly sliced
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1 cup Kalamata olives, halved
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1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
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1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
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3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, then drain and let cool.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and parsley.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
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Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad is a vibrant and fresh dish that makes for an ideal side for any summer meal or gathering. Bursting with bright flavors from the combination of fresh vegetables, tangy lemon dressing, and the delightful crunch of cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, this pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser. The dish brings together the perfect balance of textures and flavors, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for those warm, sunny days when you need something light yet satisfying.
A Fresh Take on Pasta Salad
Traditional pasta salads are often heavy and creamy, loaded with mayonnaise or other rich dressings. Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad, however, brings a refreshing twist with a lemony dressing and an assortment of fresh vegetables, making it a lighter and healthier option. The combination of the tangy lemon juice and Dijon mustard creates a zesty, mouthwatering dressing that pairs perfectly with the bite-sized elbow macaroni, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and crunchy cucumbers. Feta cheese, which provides a salty and creamy element, ties the dish together beautifully.
This lemon pasta salad isn’t just for summer. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed year-round, serving as the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, sandwiches, or even as a main course for vegetarians. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, backyard barbecue, or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and unforgettable flavor.
The Zesty Lemon Dressing
At the heart of this pasta salad is the zesty lemon dressing. Unlike many pasta salads that rely on heavy dressings, this one uses fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and extra virgin olive oil to create a simple yet bold flavor profile. The lemon juice provides a refreshing tartness, while the Dijon mustard adds a subtle sharpness that cuts through the creaminess of the feta cheese. The olive oil gives the dressing its smooth texture, while the oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper round out the flavors. The dressing is light, but it’s packed with flavor, making it the perfect complement to the fresh ingredients in the salad.
The balance of acidity from the lemon and the richness of the olive oil makes this salad feel both bright and indulgent, without being heavy. It’s the kind of dressing that enhances, rather than overwhelms, the vegetables and pasta, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine.
A Versatile Dish
One of the best things about Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad is its versatility. This salad can easily be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. You can swap out the pasta for a gluten-free variety, use vegan feta cheese for a dairy-free version, or even add extra vegetables for a more filling dish. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted sweet potatoes could make great additions if you want to experiment with flavor and texture. You can also increase or decrease the amount of olives and feta cheese to make the salad more or less tangy and salty, depending on your preference.
The salad is also ideal for meal prepping, as it keeps well in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing the flavors to meld even further. It’s a great option for those busy days when you need something easy to prepare ahead of time. With the bright flavors of the dressing and the fresh crunch of the veggies, it’s guaranteed to remain tasty for days, making it perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or as a simple dinner.
Serving Suggestions
While Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad can certainly stand alone as a light meal, it pairs wonderfully with other dishes. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish are excellent choices to serve alongside it, as the freshness of the salad complements the smoky flavors from the grill. For a vegetarian twist, you can serve it with grilled portobello mushrooms or even roasted chickpeas for an extra dose of protein. If you’re looking to make the meal even lighter, consider pairing it with a simple green salad or fresh fruit.
This pasta salad is also the perfect addition to any summer BBQ. Its tangy lemon dressing and crisp vegetables provide a refreshing contrast to heavier grilled meats and smoky sides. It’s a perfect way to balance out the richness of other dishes, offering your guests a light and flavorful option they can enjoy with everything from burgers to sausages.
The Perfect Side Dish for Every Occasion
This pasta salad is more than just a summer side dish. It’s a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe that can be served for nearly any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual family dinner, planning a potluck, or preparing a festive feast, Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad is sure to be a hit. The vibrant colors of the tomatoes, cucumbers, and parsley make it visually appealing, while the tangy, fresh flavors make it an unforgettable addition to any table.
Its simplicity and ease of preparation make it the ideal dish for busy cooks who still want to impress. You can make it ahead of time and let the flavors develop in the fridge, making it a stress-free choice for busy weeknights or when you have a lot of other things to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a meal with family, Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad is a recipe that everyone will love.
A Healthy, Light Meal Option
Not only is this pasta salad full of flavor, but it’s also a healthier option than many other pasta salads out there. The fresh vegetables provide essential nutrients, and the lemon dressing is light and refreshing, offering all the flavor without the heavy calories. Compared to traditional pasta salads loaded with creamy dressings and mayonnaise, this one is much lighter and more balanced.
Feta cheese adds a creamy element, but it’s lower in fat compared to other cheeses, making it a great option for those looking to eat lighter without sacrificing flavor. If you’re looking to reduce your calorie intake even further, you can use less cheese or swap it out for a lighter alternative, but the feta definitely brings that irresistible salty punch that pairs so well with the fresh lemon dressing.
Conclusion:
Neely’s Lemon Pasta Salad is the epitome of fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dishes that everyone can enjoy. It’s a refreshing, light option for those warm summer days, and its versatile nature means it can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re preparing a casual family meal or hosting a barbecue, this pasta salad is sure to be a crowd favorite. The bright, tangy flavors of the lemon dressing and the fresh vegetables will keep your guests coming back for more, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Try this dish today and enjoy a flavorful, refreshing meal that everyone will love!