Bright, zesty, and irresistibly refreshing, this Lemon Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Feta is the perfect mix of light yet satisfying flavors. Packed with tender penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy crumbled feta, this dish is elevated with a tangy homemade lemon dressing infused with olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs like parsley and basil. The addition of lemon zest enhances the vibrant citrus notes, making it a delightful choice for summer gatherings, potlucks, or as a quick weeknight meal. Ready in under 30 minutes and served chilled or at room temperature, this easy pasta salad delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for meal prep or picnics, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe is sure to become a household favorite!
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and set aside.
Meanwhile, halve the cherry tomatoes and crumble the feta cheese. Finely chop the parsley and basil.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic until well combined. Season the dressing with salt and black pepper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley, and basil.
Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat evenly.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve cold or at room temperature. Garnish with additional herbs or a sprinkle of feta if desired.
Calories |
2054 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 95.2 g | 122% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.9 g | 144% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 134 mg | 44% | |
| Sodium | 2912 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 242.6 g | 88% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.9 g | 57% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.9 g | ||
| Protein | 62.0 g | 124% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.6 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 818 mg | 63% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 1463 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.