Summer Pasta Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Twist
When the sun shines bright, our taste buds crave something light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. This summer pasta salad recipe is just the ticket, featuring a medley of seasonal ingredients that will transport your taste buds to a sunny afternoon.
The Perfect Combination of Flavors and Textures
Lemon zest and juice add a burst of citrusy freshness, while toasted pine nuts provide a satisfying crunch. Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and basil bring the essence of summer to every bite. This salad is a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Easy to Prepare, Impressive to Serve
With a total preparation time of just 45 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. The best part? It serves 8-10 people, making it an ideal choice for larger groups.
Get Started with These Essential Ingredients
- 1 pound orzo
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved (or quartered if large)
- 1/2 medium English cucumber, seeded and cut into small dice (about 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 2 scallions, finely chopped (white and light green parts only)
- 2 tablespoons tightly packed, finely grated lemon zest (from about 3 medium lemons)
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice, plus more as needed
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Bring it All Together
- Bring a large saucepan of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes.
- Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.
- Drain the pasta well and transfer it to a large, nonreactive bowl.
- Add the tomatoes, cucumbers, pine nuts, olive oil, basil, parsley, scallions, lemon zest, and lemon juice and toss to combine.
- Taste and season with salt, pepper, and additional lemon juice as needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the perfect summer pasta salad!
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