Lemon Pasta Salad

This Lemon Pasta Salad is a bright and zesty dish that’s perfect for warm weather or as a light meal any time of year. The combination of fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion adds a delightful crunch, while the tangy lemon dressing infuses the pasta with vibrant flavor. Whole wheat pasta provides a satisfying base, making this salad both filling and refreshing. It’s an excellent option for potlucks, picnics, or as a side dish alongside grilled proteins.

For a Serving Size of Two:

Ingredients:

• 120 grams cooked whole wheat pasta (fusilli or farfalle)
• 100 grams halved cherry tomatoes
• 50 grams diced cucumber
• 50 grams diced red onion
• 30 grams black olives, sliced
• 30 grams chopped basil leaves
• 1 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

• While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and red onion, and slice the black olives. Chop the fresh basil leaves.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and basil.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Adjust seasoning as needed.
• Let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Nutritional Benefits:

• Calories: 488 kcal
• Protein: 30.7 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.3 g
• Fat: 39.3 g