Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup of sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic, salt, and black pepper to make the lemonette dressing.
3. Add cooked pasta to the mixing bowl with the lemonette dressing and toss to coat.
4. Add chopped parsley, basil, and mint to the pasta and toss to combine.
5. Add cherry tomatoes, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese to the pasta and toss gently.
6. Serve chilled.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- 6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 375
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Use any type of pasta you prefer
- Use any type of fresh herbs you have on hand
- Use any type of cheese you prefer
Variations:
- Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a protein boost
- Add roasted vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers
- Add pine nuts or almonds for crunch
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Make the lemonette dressing ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to use.
- Add the cherry tomatoes and black olives just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Serve cold.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve in a large salad bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or mint.
Pairings:
- Serve with grilled chicken or shrimp for a complete meal.
- Pair with a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
Suggested side dishes:
- Garlic bread
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta salad seems dry, add a little more lemonette dressing and toss to coat.
Food safety advice:
- Store leftover pasta salad in the fridge and discard after 3 days.
Food history:
- Pasta salad is a popular dish in the United States and is often served at picnics and barbecues.
Flavor profiles:
- Tangy, fresh, and herbaceous.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a side dish or as a light lunch.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A