Looking for a delicious and easy pasta salad recipe that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further! This pasta salad is bursting with flavors and is a breeze to make, making it a great choice for a quick lunch, a side dish at a BBQ, or even a light dinner option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great flavors: The combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, feta cheese, and a zesty dressing creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- Quick prep time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can whip up this pasta salad in no time.
- Perfect for meal prep: This pasta salad holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches for the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Uncooked fusilli pasta: Provides a sturdy base for the salad and holds up well with the other ingredients.
- Cherry tomatoes: Add a burst of sweetness and color.
- Cooked chickpeas: Add protein and fiber to make the salad more filling.
- Arugula: Adds a peppery bite and freshness.
- Persian cucumbers: Provide a crunchy texture and mild flavor.
- Feta cheese: Adds a creamy and tangy element.
- Fresh basil, parsley, and mint: Add a pop of freshness and herbaceous flavor.
- Toasted pine nuts: Add a nutty crunch to the salad.
Dressing:
- Extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, herbes de Provence or dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and sea salt.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the pasta: Cook the fusilli pasta according to package directions until slightly past al dente.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, herbes de Provence, red pepper flakes, and salt in a small bowl.
- Combine ingredients: Toss the drained pasta with olive oil and let it cool. In a large bowl, mix the pasta with tomatoes, chickpeas, arugula, cucumbers, feta cheese, basil, parsley, mint, and pine nuts.
- Add dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Helpful Tips:
- For a creamier dressing, add a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- Customize the salad by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- Make the salad ahead of time for the flavors to meld together.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the dressing for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid mushy texture in the salad.
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until golden to enhance their flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this pasta salad with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Pair it with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing drink.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, let it come to room temperature or enjoy it cold.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer in this recipe.
- Can I make the dressing ahead of time? Yes, the dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to use.
- Can I omit the pine nuts for a nut-free version? Absolutely, feel free to leave out the pine nuts or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
Conclusion:
With its fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and easy preparation, this pasta salad is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try and let us know how you like it! Enjoy this versatile dish at your next gathering or as a quick and satisfying meal. Cheers to good food and happy moments!
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Easy Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salads
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Packed with fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, arugula, and feta cheese, all tossed in a zesty lemon-Dijon dressing, this salad is a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 3 cups uncooked fusilli pasta
- 2 heaping cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups arugula
- 1 cup Persian cucumbers, sliced into thin half moons
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence or dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta until slightly past al dente.
- Make Dressing: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, seasonings, and salt in a bowl.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss cooled pasta with tomatoes, chickpeas, arugula, cucumbers, feta, herbs, and pine nuts. Pour dressing and toss to coat.
- Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning with lemon, salt, pepper, and olive oil as desired. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- This salad can be made ahead and refrigerated for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.
- You can customize this salad by adding grilled chicken, olives, or other veggies of your choice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg