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Easy Summer Pasta Salad with Greens

A refreshing and vibrant pasta salad packed with crisp greens, colorful vegetables, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light summer meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 2 cups baby spinach chopped
  • 1 cup arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 0.5 cup cucumber diced
  • 0.25 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup fresh basil chopped
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
Dressing
  • 0.25 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Method
 

Steps
  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, baby spinach, arugula, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, basil, and parsley.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and greens mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For added protein, toss in grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese. This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.