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Best Summer Pasta Salad

Best Summer Pasta Salad


  • Author: Samantha Jones
  • Total Time: 30
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A vibrant, refreshing pasta salad with rotini, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, bell peppers, olives, mozzarella, feta, and herbs in a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or quick side dishes.


Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces rotini pasta
1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup English cucumber, diced
1 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
3/4 cup black olives, sliced
1 cup mozzarella pearls
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, thinly sliced
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

Boil the pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the rotini and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until tender but firm.
Prep vegetables: Halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper into small cubes, finely dice red onion, and slice olives while pasta cooks.
Cool the pasta: Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water for 30-45 seconds. Shake off excess water.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl or jar, combine olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add drained pasta, prepared vegetables, mozzarella, feta, parsley, and basil. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.

Notes

Halal/Non-Alcoholic: Mozzarella and feta cheeses can be substituted with halal-certified alternatives.
Storage: Tightly cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Variations: Add chickpeas or grilled zucchini for extra texture.

  • Prep Time: 20
  • Cook Time: 10
  • Category: Recipes
  • Method: Tossing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg