Description
This Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad is a zesty, refreshing twist on traditional pasta salad. With a tangy lemon dressing and crunchy vegetables, it’s the perfect chilled side or light main dish for summer gatherings, picnics, and quick lunches.
Ingredients
12 oz rotini pasta
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 cup diced cucumber
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
1/2 cup crumbled feta or grated parmesan (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add cooled pasta, cucumber, celery, red onion, and parsley to the dressing. Toss until evenly coated.
4. Fold in crumbled feta or parmesan if using.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the brightest flavor.
Chilling the salad enhances flavor, so make ahead if possible.
Add a splash of lemon juice or a spoonful of mayo to refresh leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: No-cook (after boiling)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: creamy pasta salad, lemon pasta salad, cold pasta side dish