Quick Angel Hair Pasta Salad with Fresh Veggies & Herbs
A light, flavorful pasta salad featuring angel hair pasta, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the salad
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta Cook according to package instructions
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Add freshness and sweetness
- 1 medium cucumber, diced For crunch
- 1 medium bell pepper (red, yellow, or orange), diced Colorful addition
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped Adds nutrients
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped For aroma and additional flavor
For the dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil Base of the dressing
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice For zest
- to taste none Salt and pepper For seasoning
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 4-5 minutes.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cold water for a minute to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
Preparing the Veggies
- While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop your veggies. Dice the cucumber, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, and chop the bell pepper and spinach.
Making the Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Combining
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped veggies, and fresh basil.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until well combined.
Serving
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to meld flavors. Enjoy!
Notes
Use in-season vegetables for the best flavor. Customize your veggies based on your preferences. Dress the salad just before serving to avoid soggy pasta.