According to the calendar summer hasn’t even started yet, but we have already had our fair share of 95 degrees days. It’s days like these that a salad for dinner feels like the best option — for both your sweaty body and your vegetable-craving soul.
When we aren’t making this Italian Chopped Salad this summer, we will be making this cucumber and feta pasta salad. It’s light, refreshing, and really hits the spot on those hot summer nights. Pair it with some grilled chicken and string lights and you’ve got yourself a summer night’s dream.
Lemony Cucumber + Feta Pasta Salad
Makes 6 servings as a side dish
8 ounces of bowtie pasta, prepared according to package directions
1 large cucumber, diced
4 ounce block of feta, diced
For the Lemon Vinaigrette:
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, grated
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
¼ teaspoon sea salt, more to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon maple syrup
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Optional Additions:
fresh herbs for topping (mint, cilantro, parsley)
Hazelnuts for topping
chickpeas
Making The Vinaigrette: Meanwhile, In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt, pepper, and honey, if using.Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking and continue to whisk until the dressing is emulsified.
Making the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Drain (do not rinse) and then while the pasta is still hot drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the pasta and then toss together in a bowl. This will allow the noodles to soak up as much flavor from the vinaigrette as possible.
Bringing it all Together: Allow the pasta to come to room temperature on the counter and then add in the cucumbers and feta. If you’re adding chickpeas this would be a good time to add in as well. Allow the pasta salad to chill for at least an hour before serving. Serve the pasta salad up in individual bowls and then top with the herbs and hazelnuts. Enjoy!
Will keep in the fridge for 3 days. If the pasta is seeming a bit dry after it has been in the fridge overnight just drizzle it with a little extra olive oil and toss it together.
