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Fresh Creamy Herb Pasta Salad Recipe with Zesty Lemon Vinaigrette

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A fresh and creamy herb pasta salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette, perfect for summer gatherings. This quick and easy recipe combines a smooth cottage cheese and Greek yogurt dressing with fresh herbs and vegetables for a refreshing and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 g) rotini or bowtie pasta
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) cottage cheese (small-curd preferred)
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (or dried herbs, reduced quantity)
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumber (seeded if desired)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds
  • Optional: fresh basil leaves

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces (340 g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine 1/2 cup (120 g) cottage cheese and 1/2 cup (120 g) Greek yogurt. Mash and blend until smooth and creamy using a fork or blender.
  4. Whisk together the juice and zest of 1 large lemon, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon honey until emulsified.
  5. Slowly fold the lemon vinaigrette into the creamy base until fully incorporated. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  6. Stir in chopped parsley, chives, dill, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion gently to avoid bruising herbs.
  7. Fold the creamy herb dressing into the pasta until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
  8. Just before serving, sprinkle toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds for crunch, or add fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Rinsing pasta after cooking prevents mushiness and helps dressing stick. Blend cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth for best texture. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors. If too thick after chilling, stir in a tablespoon of cold water or olive oil. Add more lemon juice if salad tastes flat. For vegan version, substitute dairy with plant-based alternatives and honey with maple syrup. Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days; toss with lemon juice or olive oil before serving to refresh.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, herb pasta salad, lemon vinaigrette, summer salad, easy pasta salad, healthy pasta salad

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/fresh-creamy-herb-pasta-salad-recipe-with-zesty-lemon-vinaigrette-easy-and-perfect-for-summer/