Creamy Lemon Dill Pasta Salad
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)
Total Time: 55 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy
Servings: 6
Ingredients
For the Salad:
-
12 oz (340g) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or bowtie)
-
1 cup diced cucumber
-
1/2 cup chopped celery
-
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
-
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
-
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
-
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Creamy Lemon Dill Dressing:
-
1/2 cup mayonnaise
-
1/4 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
-
Zest of 1 lemon
-
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
-
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
-
1 garlic clove, minced
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
-
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
-
Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
-
Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool the pasta.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
-
Mayonnaise
-
Sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
-
Lemon zest and juice
-
Dijon mustard
-
Minced garlic
-
Salt and pepper to taste
Set aside or chill in the fridge while prepping the vegetables.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with chopped cucumber, celery, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh dill.
-
Pour the creamy lemon dill dressing over the pasta and toss well to coat.
-
Add crumbled feta if using, and gently fold it in.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
-
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
-
Serve cold, garnished with extra dill, a wedge of lemon, or additional feta.
Storage & Meal Prep
-
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
-
Make-Ahead Tip: Make the dressing up to 3 days in advance and store separately.
-
Refreshing Leftovers: Add a splash of lemon juice or a spoon of Greek yogurt to freshen it up before serving again.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 7g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 280mg |
Note: Nutrition will vary based on pasta type, dressing ingredients, and add-ins.
