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garlic lemon pasta salad

This refreshing garlic lemon pasta salad is packed with fresh herbs, vibrant lemon flavor, and crisp veggies, perfect for a light meal or side dish.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Cuisine: Chinese
Calories: 120

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 oz dried pasta
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 0.33 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 0.33 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 0.33 cup chopped fresh chives
  • 0.33 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 0.5 large red onion sliced very thin
  • 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
  • 1.5 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1.5 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
  • 1 small lemon, zest
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.33 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 0.33 cup toasted pine nuts
  • 4 oz English peas or frozen, thawed

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water until cooled. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
  3. In a small skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 4-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
  4. Remove garlic and oil from heat. In a bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  5. Slowly drizzle the cooled garlic-infused oil into the dressing while whisking until combined.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl. Pour dressing over and toss to coat evenly.
  7. Stir in fresh herbs, sliced red onion, peas, feta cheese, toasted pine nuts, and pepper. Toss until well combined.
  8. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For best flavor, prepare the salad at least 30 minutes in advance to allow flavors to meld.