Poppy Seed Pasta Salad
Bright, fresh, and a little tangy, this Poppy Seed Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for any gathering or a light main course on warmer days! Featuring tender mini pasta shells tossed in a creamy poppy seed dressing enhanced with zesty lemon juice and olive oil, this recipe balances rich, creamy textures with crisp vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Crumbled feta cheese adds a delightful tang, while freshly chopped parsley elevates each bite with a burst of herbaceous flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, this make-ahead pasta salad is easy to prepare and even easier to love. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners, this vibrant dish is as versatile as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 oz mini pasta shells
- 0.5 cup poppy seed dressing
- 0.25 cup mayonnaise
- 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the poppy seed dressing, mayonnaise, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, red onion, and chopped parsley.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Fold in the crumbled feta cheese, ensuring it is distributed throughout the salad.
Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste, and give everything one final mix.
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and garnish with extra parsley or feta cheese if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2373 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 106.6 g | 137% | |
| Saturated Fat | 24.3 g | 122% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 20.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 90 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 3123 mg | 136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 305.6 g | 111% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.3 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 48.3 g | ||
| Protein | 55.5 g | 111% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 497 mg | 38% | |
| Iron | 9.0 mg | 50% | |
| Potassium | 1266 mg | 27% | |
*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.
