She Strengthens

Summer Salad Recipe: A Refreshing Twist on Pasta

Get Ready for a Light and Delicious Meal

Looking for a quick and easy summer side dish that’s perfect for hot weather? This refreshing pasta salad recipe is just what you need. With its tangy dressing, crunchy veggies, and protein-packed ingredients, it’s a complete meal in one bowl.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

To make this salad, start by blending together fresh dill, white wine vinegar, shallot, kosher salt, and black pepper in a blender. Add olive oil and capers to create a creamy and tangy dressing. Set it aside while you cook the pasta.

Cooking the Pasta

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil and cook short pasta, such as gemelli or fusilli, according to the package directions. Drain and rinse it under cold water until cool. Drain any excess water from the pasta and transfer it to a large bowl.

Adding the Good Stuff

Add chickpeas, diced English cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh Italian parsley, and the reserved dressing to the pasta. Toss everything together until well combined. If you want to make it a complete meal, add 7 ounces of tuna, flaked smoked trout, or shredded chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature alongside grilled salmon or chicken. You can also enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner on its own.

Recipe Details

Yield: 6-8 servings
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 cup white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped shallot
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more as needed
• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup capers
• 1 pound short pasta, such as gemelli or fusilli
• 2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium English cucumber, medium dice
• 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
• Optional: 7 ounces tuna, flaked smoked trout, or shredded chicken