Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad
Lemon Herb Mediterranean Pasta Salad is a zesty, nutritious blend of pasta, fresh vegetables, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, perfect for any occasion. Easy to customize and full of Mediterranean flavor, it's a delicious, healthful dish everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 ounces dried penne pasta
For the Lemon Herb Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- For the Salad:
- 4 cups Romaine or cos lettuce leaves, thoroughly washed and dried
- 1 large cucumber diced
- 1 ripe avocado peeled, pitted, and chopped
- 1/2 large red bell pepper deseeded and sliced into thin strips
- 9 ounces grape or cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives sliced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
- 5 to 6 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until it reaches al dente texture. Once done, drain using a colander or strainer and rinse under cold water to cool it down quickly. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the lemon herb dressing by whisking together all the dressing ingredients in a large measuring jug or bowl until well combined.
- Add all of the prepared salad ingredients to the bowl with the pasta, then pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated in the dressing. Taste and adjust with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.