Go Back
pasta salad

Vibrant Pasta Salad with Zesty Vinaigrette for Summer Bliss

This vibrant pasta salad, featuring fresh ingredients and a zesty vinaigrette, is perfect for summer gatherings and quick meals.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course salads
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 6 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

  • - Large pot
  • - Small bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

For the Salad

  • 8 ounces uncooked fusilli pasta or any short pasta
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 can cooked chickpeas drained
  • 2 cups arugula or baby spinach
  • 1 cup Persian cucumbers sliced
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds

For the Dressing

  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon herbes de Provence or Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt adjust to taste

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Boil salted water in a large pot over high heat. Once boiling, add the uncooked fusilli pasta and cook until slightly beyond al dente, about 9-10 minutes. Drain and cool the pasta under cold running water.
  • Whisk together the dressing by combining extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, herbes de Provence, red pepper flakes, and sea salt in a small bowl until well blended and creamy.
  • Combine the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl with halved cherry tomatoes, cooked chickpeas, arugula, sliced Persian cucumbers, crumbled feta, fresh basil, minced parsley, chopped mint, and toasted pine nuts.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and lemon juice as desired.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow flavors to meld. Just before serving, add the fresh herbs and pine nuts for optimal freshness and crunch.

Notes

Feel free to add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal. Prep in advance for better flavor.
Keyword easy recipe, fresh salad, healthy salad, pasta salad, quick meal, Summer Recipe