Summer Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs 🌿☀️ Light, Herbaceous, and Bursting With Garden Flavor

Summer Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs is the ultimate seasonal side: tender pasta tossed with juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and handfuls of fragrant herbs, all tied together with a citrusy vinaigrette.

It’s picnic-perfect, make-ahead-friendly, and endlessly adaptable.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 12 oz short pasta (farfalle, fusilli, rotini, or shells)
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• ¾ cup cucumber, chopped
• ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta or fresh mozzarella pearls
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped or torn
• 2 tbsp fresh dill or chives (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Shake off any excess water.

Step 2: Make the Vinaigrette

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion, and cheese. Add the vinaigrette and toss to coat.

Step 4: Add the Herbs

Gently fold in parsley, basil, and any additional herbs. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Toss again before serving and garnish with extra herbs if desired.

Optional Add-Ins

• Grilled zucchini or asparagus
• Chickpeas or white beans for protein
• Avocado chunks (add just before serving)
• Toasted pine nuts or almonds for crunch

Serving Ideas

• Perfect side for grilled chicken, fish, or veggie skewers
• Pack in a jar for picnic-ready lunches
• Serve over arugula or baby greens for a full salad plate
• Pairs beautifully with rosé, lemonade, or iced herbal tea

Pro Tips

• Use fresh herbs generously — they’re the star
• Rinse pasta well to keep it light and cool
• Add cheese just before serving for best texture
• Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days

Final Thoughts

Summer Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs is light, flavorful, and full of seasonal brightness. It’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, simple prep, and herb-packed goodness that tastes like sunshine in a bowl.

Chop fresh. Toss light. Let the herbs shine. 🌿☀️🍝