Craving a pasta salad that'll make your taste buds dance? Get ready to discover the ultimate summer dish that's about to revolutionize your meal prep! Our Lemon Tarragon Pasta Salad is not just another side dish – it's a vibrant, zesty explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to the sunny Mediterranean coast with just one bite. Quick to prepare, impossibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress, this recipe is your secret weapon for elevating any meal from ordinary to extraordinary.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of pasta (fusilli or penne), 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh tarragon, 1 cup of cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 cup of diced cucumber, 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped tarragon until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Allow it to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion. Toss gently to combine the ingredients evenly.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add more lemon juice at this stage.
- Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Before serving, give the salad a good toss and garnish with additional fresh tarragon if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- • For the best flavor, use fresh tarragon instead of dried – the herb's delicate, slightly anise-like taste is key to this recipe's magic. • Cook pasta al dente to ensure it doesn't become mushy when mixed with the dressing. • Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly. • For extra freshness, add the diced cucumber just before serving to maintain its crisp texture. • If you want to make this a complete meal, consider adding grilled chicken or feta cheese for additional protein. • Use high-quality olive oil for the dressing to enhance the overall taste of the pasta salad. • This dish can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or potluck gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
