Zesty Mediterranean Lemon Pasta Salad
This vibrant Zesty Mediterranean Lemon Pasta Salad is a refreshing twist on the traditional pasta salad. Bursting with flavor and color, this dish features perfectly cooked penne pasta tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and creamy crumbled feta cheese. The homemade lemon-dijon vinaigrette adds a tangy brightness that enhances every bite. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish for any gathering, this salad improves in flavor as it marinates, making it a great make-ahead option. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients—add in artichokes for a briny touch, olives for a salty kick, or even grated parmesan for an extra cheesy experience. Allow this dish to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight for the best flavor!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
7 (tablespoons)
fresh lemon juice
4 (tablespoons)
whole grain mustard
3 (tablespoons)
garlic cloves, minced
2 (cloves)
lemon peel, zest
2 (teaspoons)
penne pasta
12 (ounces)
small cherry tomatoes, halved
2 (cups)
chopped red or yellow bell peppers
1.5 (cups)
crumbled feta cheese
1.5 (cups)
chopped green onion
1 (cup)
roasted pine nuts
to taste (for garnish)
fresh basil, chopped
to taste (for garnish)
fresh parsley, chopped
to taste (for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, and lemon zest until well blended. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Drain again thoroughly.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped green onions. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.
4
Toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients with the dressing. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
5
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld (or up to 24 hours for even better flavor).
6
Just before serving, add roasted pine nuts for an extra crunch and garnish with fresh basil and parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Mediterranean Lemon Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant and refreshing pasta salad featuring penne, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and feta cheese with a tangy lemon-dijon vinaigrette.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of penne pasta cooked until al dente.
How do I make the lemon dressing?
Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, whole grain mustard, minced garlic, and lemon zest.
How much olive oil is needed for the vinaigrette?
The recipe requires 7 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.
What kind of mustard should I use?
The recipe specifies 3 tablespoons of whole grain mustard.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
Two minced garlic cloves are used in the dressing.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing under cold water halts the cooking process to ensure the pasta remains al dente.
How much feta cheese is included?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of crumbled feta cheese.
What kind of bell peppers are best for this salad?
You can use 1.5 cups of chopped red or yellow bell peppers.
How many cherry tomatoes are required?
Two cups of halved small cherry tomatoes are needed.
Can I make this pasta salad in advance?
Yes, it is a great make-ahead option as the flavor improves as it marinates.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, though up to 24 hours provides even better flavor.
What adds a crunchy texture to the salad?
Roasted pine nuts are added just before serving for an extra crunch.
What herbs are suggested for garnish?
Freshly chopped basil and parsley are recommended for garnishing.
Can I add artichokes to this salad?
Yes, adding artichokes provides a nice briny touch to the dish.
Is there a suggestion for a salty addition?
The recipe suggests adding olives if you want a salty kick.
How much lemon zest is used?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of lemon peel zest.
Can I use parmesan instead of feta?
Yes, you can substitute or add grated parmesan for an extra cheesy experience.
How much green onion is required?
The salad includes 1 cup of chopped green onion.
How much lemon juice is in the dressing?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice.
Is this salad suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or any group gathering.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, by omitting the feta cheese or using a vegan cheese substitute, it becomes vegan-friendly.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 main ingredients in this recipe.
When should the pine nuts be added?
Pine nuts should be added just before serving to maintain their crunch.
How do I ensure the dressing is well blended?
Whisk the ingredients in a small bowl before pouring them over the pasta and vegetables.
What seasoning is needed for the dressing?
The dressing should be seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
Is the pasta salad served warm or cold?
It is served chilled after being refrigerated for at least two hours.
What does the whole grain mustard add to the salad?
It adds a tangy brightness and texture to the homemade vinaigrette.
Can I customize the vegetable content?
Yes, the recipe is highly customizable with options like artichokes or olives.
What is the primary flavor profile of this salad?
The profile is zesty, tangy, and Mediterranean-inspired.