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Angel Hair Pasta Salad

Angel Hair Pasta Salad
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This Angel Hair Pasta Salad is a fresh, fast, and flavorful dish combining delicate angel hair pasta with crisp, vibrant vegetables and a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or gathering occasions, delivering a refreshing and satisfying mix of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Angel hair pasta – 8 oz (about half a standard box)

Vegetables

  • Cherry tomatoes – 1 cup, halved
  • Cucumber – 1 medium, diced
  • Red bell pepper – 1, thinly sliced
  • Red onion – 1/4 medium, thinly sliced
  • Fresh basil – 1/4 cup, finely chopped

Dressing

  • Olive oil – 3 tablespoons
  • Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
  • Garlic – 1 clove, minced
  • Salt – to taste
  • Black pepper – to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Angel Hair Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the angel hair pasta and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until just al dente. Avoid overcooking as angel hair pasta is thin and cooks quickly. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, wash and chop the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red bell pepper and red onion, and finely chop the fresh basil. Preparing the veggies in advance ensures a smooth process.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This zesty dressing balances the crisp vegetables and tender pasta perfectly.
  4. Combine Everything: Place the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add all the chopped vegetables, pour the dressing over the top, and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  5. Chill and Serve: For best flavor, chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the salad refreshingly cool and perfect for warm days or casual meals.

Notes

  • Don’t skip rinsing the pasta to cool it quickly and prevent sticking.
  • Use fresh lemon juice to enhance the dressing’s brightness.
  • Chop vegetables uniformly for balanced taste and texture in every bite.
  • Make ahead for flavors to develop, but add fresh herbs just before serving.
  • Drain excess liquid from tomatoes or cucumbers to avoid a watery salad.

Nutrition

Keywords: Angel hair pasta salad, quick pasta salad, summer salad, fresh pasta salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, healthy pasta salad

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/angel-hair-pasta-salad/