Chef John’s Corner: Summer Pasta Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

Jun 18, 2025

Chef John’s Corner

Summer Pasta Salad with Lemon Herb Vinaigrette

Instructions

  1. Whisk all vinaigrette ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.

  2. Cook pasta al dente in a large stockpot of salted water according to package instructions.

  3. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water for 20–30 seconds until no longer hot. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.

  4. Add cucumber, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta, and red onion to the pasta.

  5. Drizzle vinaigrette over the salad.

  6. Toss everything together until evenly coated.

Serve chilled or at room temperature. Perfect for a summer lunch or cookout side dish!

summer pasta salad

Ingredients

Salad:

  • 12 oz. Penne Pasta

  • 1 English Cucumber, diced

  • 1 pint Cherry Tomatoes, halved

  • 4 oz. Feta Cheese, crumbled

  • ½ Red Onion, peeled & thinly sliced

  • ⅔ cup Kalamata Olives

Lemon Herb Vinaigrette:

  • ¼ cup Olive Oil

  • 3 Tbsp Red Wine Vinegar

  • 1 Tbsp Lemon Juice

  • 1 tsp Honey

  • 2 small Garlic Cloves, minced

  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper

  • ¼ tsp Salt

  • Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

Chef John

Chef John Cossens