Imagine a refreshing, zesty pasta salad that captures the essence of summer in every single bite! This Lemon Cucumber Pasta Salad is not just another side dish - it's a vibrant, flavor-packed culinary experience that will transport you to a sunny Italian countryside with its fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and bright citrus notes. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and delicious weeknight meal, this recipe is about to become your new warm-weather obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., fusilli or penne)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables: dice the cucumber into small, uniform cubes and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Finely chop the fresh parsley and basil, keeping them separate but ready for mixing.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and chopped basil.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, tossing gently to ensure even coating and distribution of herbs.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Use short, textured pasta like fusilli or penne that can hold onto the dressing and herbs.
- Keep your vegetables fresh: Dice cucumber and tomatoes just before mixing to maintain their crisp texture.
- Chill thoroughly: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Use fresh herbs: Freshly chopped parsley and basil make a huge difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Don't be afraid to add more lemon juice, salt, or pepper to suit your palate.
- Make ahead friendly: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
