This lemon pasta salad is bursting with flavors from garlic, fresh herbs, and plenty of veggies. It’s the perfect dish to bring to any gathering!
Made with loads of fresh herbs, tangy feta cheese, sweet peas, and crunchy pine nuts, this lemon pasta salad is a true delight.
As spring fills the air, we’re all about salads! From our hearty Nicoise salad to our light spring mix salad, and of course, this mouthwatering lemon pasta salad, we’re salad enthusiasts!
This lemon pasta salad is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a fantastic way to sneak in veggies and herbs. The zesty garlic lemon dressing is the star of the show, and we can’t wait for you to try it!
Garlic Lemon Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried noodles
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 5 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh chives
- ⅓ cup chopped fresh dill
- ½ large red onion thinly sliced (use a mandolin if available)
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 1.5 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1.5 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon mayo
- Zest from one small lemon
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts
- 4 ounces fresh English peas or thawed frozen peas
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water. Let excess water drip.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium/high heat. Add minced garlic, sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt, and sauté until golden. Set aside to cool.
- For the dressing, whisk together rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, mayo, lemon zest, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Slowly add cooled garlic and olive oil to the dressing while whisking.
- Toss cooled pasta with the dressing in a large bowl.
- Add fresh herbs, red onion, peas, and remaining salt (if needed) to the bowl and toss.
- Top with feta, pine nuts, and pepper.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Sauteing garlic in olive oil creates a flavorful infusion for the dressing.
- Feel free to mix and match your favorite fresh herbs.
- Taste the dressing and salad as you go to adjust salt levels.