![- 8 oz. fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/3 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste For this Lemon Dill Pasta Salad, I suggest using a kitchen scale for precise measurements. The fusilli pasta should weigh around 8 ounces. For the cherry tomatoes, one cup means about 12-15 tomatoes, depending on size. The cucumber should be diced into small pieces, which makes it easier to eat. When measuring fresh dill, use a packed cup to capture its strong flavor. For the olive oil and lemon juice, standard measuring cups work great. Adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Using fresh ingredients greatly enhances the flavor. Fresh dill has a bright taste that dried dill cannot match. Fresh lemon juice gives a zesty kick, while bottled juice lacks the same vibrancy. The cherry tomatoes and cucumber stay crisp and juicy, making each bite delightful. For a creamy touch, use fresh feta cheese, which adds richness. Though dried herbs can work in a pinch, I recommend sticking to fresh for this dish. Fresh ingredients truly shine in Lemon Dill Pasta Salad and elevate the whole meal. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz. of fusilli pasta. Cook it until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Once ready, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down quickly. While the pasta cools, grab your veggies. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Dice 1 cucumber into small pieces. Finally, finely chop 1/3 cup of red onion. Toss all these chopped veggies together in a big mixing bowl. In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Whisk until it's smooth and combined. Once the pasta is cool, add it to the bowl with the veggies. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta. Use a spatula or tongs to toss everything gently. Make sure all the ingredients get coated with the dressing. Next, fold in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh dill and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Be gentle; you want to mix these in without breaking up the feta too much. Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or a lid. Put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend. When ready to serve, give it a gentle toss again. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve it chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful delight! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To cook fusilli pasta just right, start with plenty of water. Use a large pot and add a good amount of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil before adding the pasta. Cook it according to the package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Check for doneness by tasting a piece. You want it al dente, meaning firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools the pasta quickly. Olive oil plays a key role in the flavor of your salad. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best taste. It has a rich, fruity flavor that enhances your salad. Look for oils that are cold-pressed and have a dark green color. This indicates quality and freshness. Avoid oils labeled as “light,” as they often lack flavor. A good olive oil will make your dressing shine. While dill is the star in this dish, other herbs can boost flavor. Consider adding fresh parsley or basil for extra freshness. Chives can add a mild onion taste that pairs well with the lemon. If you want a bit of heat, try adding fresh mint. Mix and match until you find your perfect blend. Fresh herbs not only elevate the taste but also add color and nutrients to your salad. For the complete experience, check out the Full Recipe to make this zesty dish come alive! {{image_4}} Want to make your pasta salad heartier? Add protein! Grilled chicken works great. It adds a savory taste. Simply cube cooked chicken and mix it in. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas. They lend a great texture and protein boost. Rinse canned chickpeas and toss them in with the pasta. Both options make the dish more filling and satisfying. If you want a vegan twist, skip the feta cheese. Instead, use a dairy-free cheese option. Look for brands that offer plant-based feta. You can also add avocado for creaminess. It adds a rich flavor without dairy. Just toss in diced avocado before serving for a fresh touch. Seasonal vegetables can elevate your salad. Zucchini is a fantastic choice. Slice it thinly and mix it in raw. It adds crunch and freshness. Bell peppers are another great option. Dice them up for a sweet pop of color. Both add nutrients and make your salad even more vibrant. You can explore these variations to create your unique Lemon Dill Pasta Salad. Check the [Full Recipe] for the basic version and get cooking! To keep your Lemon Dill Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the salad from absorbing other odors in the fridge. Make sure it is completely cooled before you seal it. If you have leftovers, you can enjoy them for lunch or dinner the next day. While I recommend eating this salad fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Place the salad in a freezer-safe container. However, avoid freezing the feta cheese and fresh herbs. They may change texture and flavor when thawed. For best results, enjoy the pasta salad fresh within a few days. Lemon Dill Pasta Salad stays good in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. After that, the flavors may fade, and the veggies can lose their crunch. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving. Enjoy the fresh and zesty flavors of this dish from the [Full Recipe]. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I often prepare it a day prior. This allows the flavors to blend well. Just keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. If you make it too early, the pasta may absorb the dressing, so add it before serving. You can get creative with herbs! Fresh parsley, basil, or chives work well. Each herb offers a different taste. Mix and match to find your favorite combination. I love using mint for a refreshing twist. If you need a substitute for feta, try goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese. Crumbled tofu works great if you want a vegan option. Both provide a nice texture and flavor. Adjust the amount to fit your taste. This pasta salad is not gluten-free as written. However, you can use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great gluten-free options today. Just ensure you follow the cooking time on the package for the best results. To boost the dressing's flavor, add minced garlic or shallots. A splash of vinegar, like red wine or balsamic, can enhance the taste too. You can also try a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Experimenting is key to finding your perfect balance! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! In this blog post, I shared how to create a tasty lemon dill pasta salad. We discussed the best ingredients, like fresh herbs and quality olive oil. You learned step-by-step cooking tips, from boiling pasta to mixing flavors. I also covered variations, storage ideas, and answered common questions. The right ingredients and methods can make your pasta salad shine. Enjoy experimenting and sharing this dish with others!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/5579225b-eb96-4bff-a3b5-dc275a53dd09-250x250.webp)
13. Lemon Dill Pasta Salad
Elevate your dining experience with this refreshing Zesty Lemon Dill Pasta Salad! Bursting with vibrant flavors from fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and dill, this dish is perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and chill, it's a great addition to summer gatherings or meal prep. Click to explore this simple recipe and impress your guests with a lovely, tasty salad that's sure to become a favorite!