This Zesty Lemon Herb Spaghetti Salad is your go-to dish for a refreshing twist on pasta. It's light, vibrant, and bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for a picnic or a light lunch.
The star of this dish is the thin spaghetti, providing a light base that carries the flavors beautifully. The cherry tomatoes add a sweet juiciness, while cucumber offers a refreshing crunch. Red onion slices give a mild sharpness, cutting through the richness. Black olives contribute a salty, umami depth. Fresh herbs like parsley and basil bring aromatic freshness. The lemon juice forms the zesty backbone of the dressing, complemented by olive oil for a smooth finish. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, and garlic gives a hint of pungency. Seasoned with salt and black pepper, and topped with feta cheese, which lends creaminess and a salty finish.
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also works well as a side dish at a barbecue or as part of a picnic spread. For a vegetarian delight, serve it alongside a hearty bean salad or a platter of roasted vegetables.
Start by cooking the thin spaghetti according to the package instructions until it's perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain it well and rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and keeps the pasta from sticking together.
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooled spaghetti, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, sliced black olives, chopped parsley, and torn basil leaves. It's like a little garden party in your bowl!
In a smaller bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well emulsified. Pour this zesty dressing over your spaghetti mixture and toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient gets coated.
Lastly, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top and give it one more gentle toss. You can serve it immediately if you're in a hurry, or let it chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours to let the flavors meld beautifully.
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