Craving a tasty homemade pasta salad with mayo? Look no further! This creamy pasta salad is simple to make, full of flavor, and packed with fresh vegetables—making it the perfect summer dish. It can be enjoyed either warm or cold. I love serving it as a side dish on its own for a light meatless dinner, or alongside baked salmon in foil for a complete meal.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb (450g) Fusilli pasta (or any short pasta of your choice)
- 1 cup diced red pepper (I used a large red bell pepper)
- ⅓ cup chopped celery (from 1 celery stalk)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (or substitute with cheddar cheese or mozzarella pearls)
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- ⅓ cup diced red onions
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (fresh dill can be used as an alternative)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Green onions for garnish
Dressing:
- 1 cup light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or more, to taste)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Cook the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions, ensuring it remains firm to the bite. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside and allow to cool completely, making sure to drain off any excess water.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped celery, red bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Squeeze the juice of one medium lemon over the pasta and vegetables. Add the mayonnaise, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
NOTES
Storage: This pasta salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, but I recommend consuming it within 3 days for the best freshness.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 393 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Protein: 11g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 26mg
- Sodium: 645mg
- Potassium: 336mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 7g
- Vitamin A: 1562 IU
- Vitamin C: 60mg
- Calcium: 128mg
- Iron: 2mg
Note: Nutritional data is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. For accuracy, always check packaging labels.
