Summer Pasta Salad With Baby Greens (Printer-friendly)
Light pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and mixed baby greens in zesty lemon dressing.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Pasta
01 - 9 oz short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
→ Vegetables & Greens
02 - 4 cups mixed baby greens (arugula, spinach, baby kale)
03 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
04 - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
05 - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
→ Dressing
07 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
08 - 2 tbsp lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
09 - 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
10 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
11 - 1 garlic clove, minced
12 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
13 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Toppings
14 - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
15 - 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds
16 - 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
# How-To Guide:
01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
03 - Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
04 - Gently fold in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and most of the baby greens, reserving a small handful for garnish.
05 - Top with feta cheese, pine nuts, and fresh basil. Add reserved greens just before serving. Serve immediately or chill for up to 3 hours.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The pasta stays perfectly coated without ever getting soggy, even after hours in the fridge
- You can prep everything in the morning and have dinner ready the moment you walk through the door
02 -
- Rinse the pasta thoroughly under cold water or it will keep cooking and turn mushy
- Wait until the last possible moment to add the remaining baby greens so they stay crisp and vibrant
03 -
- Leftovers keep surprisingly well for up to two days if stored in an airtight container
- A crisp white wine or chilled herbal tea makes this feel like a proper meal