Lemon Pasta Salad (Printable)

Bright, tangy pasta combined with fresh vegetables and herbs for a light and flavorful dish.

# Ingredient List:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
02 - 1 tsp salt (for pasta water)

→ Vegetables

03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
05 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
06 - 1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
07 - 1/4 cup kalamata olives, sliced (optional)

→ Cheese & Herbs

08 - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
09 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

→ Lemon Dressing

11 - 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
12 - Zest of 1 lemon
13 - 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
14 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
15 - 1 clove garlic, minced
16 - 1/2 tsp honey or maple syrup
17 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
18 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
02 - While pasta cooks, halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber and bell pepper, finely chop red onion, slice kalamata olives (if using), and chop parsley and basil.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, yellow bell pepper, olives, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
04 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, honey, sea salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar until emulsified.
05 - Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes, yet tastes like you've been in the kitchen all day.
  • The bright lemon flavor makes you feel like you're eating summer itself, no matter the season.
  • It actually gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or bringing to gatherings.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the hot pasta with cold water—this stops the cooking process and keeps each piece tender instead of turning into a mushy clump.
  • The lemon zest is essential and can't be skipped; it's what gives this salad its signature brightness that makes people ask for the recipe.
  • Mix this salad at least 30 minutes before serving so the pasta can drink in the dressing and develop real flavor instead of tasting like bland noodles with sauce on top.
03 -
  • Make the dressing in a glass jar with a lid so you can shake it right before serving to re-emulsify if the oil and lemon have separated.
  • Don't cut your vegetables too small—this isn't a chopped salad, and the bigger pieces keep the texture interesting and satisfying.
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