How to Make the Most Delicious Light & Fresh Pasta Salad for Summer

Hello out there! We are limping along into Spring here in the Midwest. With 30 degree temperatures and a drizzly rain / snow mix yesterday, I can’t help but dream of all things warm, bright and cheery! Some blogger friends and I are sharing some recipes today and I’ve got a Pasta salad for you that is so wonderful this time of year. Its simple and full of flavor! Today on the blog is How to Make the Most Delicious Light & Fresh Pasta Salad for Summer.

I’ve made this pasta salad several times over the last couple of months, but I can’t wait to make it again. This time with chicken on the grill and maybe some corn on the cob. This salad will be the perfect addition to the picnic table or backyard barbeques!

To see my full Recipe Gallery, head here for appetizers, dips, salads, cocktails, kid snacks & more!

Here is how to make it…

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST DELICIOUS LIGHT & FRESH PASTA SALAD FOR SUMMER

This pasta salad is not a traditional pasta salad with heavy mayonnaise base. But rather fresh squeezed lemon juice and lots of other yummy ingredients combine to make the base. Its fresh with a little zest!

INGREDIENTS FOR LIGHT & FRESH PASTA SALAD

• 16 ounces of Farfalle pasta [bow tie pasta]
• 1/3 cup of lemon juice [I use juice from fresh lemons]
• 1/4+ cup olive juice
• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 5 ounces of feta crumbles
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup of chopped green onion
• 6 leaves of chopped basil
• 1 tsp onion powder
• salt & pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS FOR LIGHT & FRESH PASTA SALAD

1 // Prepare pasta according to package directions.

2 // In small bowl or jar [I use this to make all of my dressings] combine lemon juice [I use this citrus juicer – great for making margaritas, too!], olive oil, mustard, minced garlic & onion powder until thoroughly mixed.

3 // Drain pasta and rise with cold water.

4 // Add pasta to large serving bowl and pour the dressing on top. Toss together and add feta, cherry tomatoes, basil and green onion.

5 // Add salt & pepper to taste and continue to toss until well combined.

6 // Refrigerate until ready to serve. 2+ hours or even overnight.

*  If your pasta has absorbed a lot of the dressing, you can drizzle some extra olive oil on top + add some more fresh lemon juice on top before serving! You can even save a little reserve dressing to use to toss right before serving 😉

This pasta salad is so light and refreshing and the hint of citrus makes a great addition to all things Summer get-togethers. I know I’ll be making this a ton for backyard BBQ’s or Flamingo Fridays!

Now be sure to head down and see what recipes my friends are sharing. I can’t wait to try them myself – they all look divine!!

Heather @Southern State of Mind shares her Pulled Pork Sliders

Tamara @ CITRINELIVING is sharing her easy & delicious boneless Asian Chicken Thighs.  

Laura @ Decor To Adore is sharing The Best Homemade Carrot Coffee Cake 

Christy @ Our Southern Home shares her recipe for Homemade Oreo Ice Cream.  

Rachael @ This Is Our Bliss made the most wonderful Delicious Light Fresh Pasta Salad For Summer. 

Yvonne @ StoneGable shares her Scrumptious Arugula Salad with Lemon Dressing. 

Briana @ Bloom in the Black made these amazing Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Balls. 

Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life shared her Old Fashioned Peach Cobbler.  

To see my full Recipe Gallery, head here for appetizers, dips, salads, cocktails, kid snacks & more!