If you are looking for the perfect side dish to bring to your next summer barbecue, this Zesty Summer Pasta Salad is it! It’s fresh, vibrant, incredibly easy to throw together, and designed to pair beautifully with any grilled meat—from juicy steaks and chicken to grilled kofta or burgers.
Instead of heavy, mayo-laden dressings that weigh you down in the summer heat, this salad uses a bright, tangy balsamic-lemon vinaigrette that cuts through the richness of grilled meats. Packed with crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy mini mozzarella pearls, and a crunchy topping of chopped walnuts, it’s a crowd-pleaser that screams summer in every bite.
Prep time, Cook time, Servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (to boil the pasta)
Yield: 4–6 sides
Ingredients
The Pasta Salad Base
8 oz (225g) Farfalle (Bow-tie) or Fusilli pasta, cooked and cooled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large English cucumber, diced
1 cup mini mozzarella pearls (or cubed fresh mozzarella)
¼ cup walnuts, chopped (for that perfect crunch!)
A handful of fresh dill, finely chopped
The Bright Balsamic & Lemon Vinarette
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard (helps emulsify the dressing and adds a great tang)
Seasonings: A pinch of salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook and Cool the Pasta
Boil your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely.
2. Whisk the Vinaigrette
In a small bowl or jar, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, mustard, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk vigorously (or shake the jar) until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Load Up the Bowl
In a large mixing bowl, lay down your cooled pasta. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, chopped walnuts, mini mozzarella pearls, and a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped dill.
4. Toss and Infuse
Pour your vibrant vinaigrette evenly over the top. Use salad tongs to gently toss everything together until every bow-tie pasta sheet and vegetable is beautifully coated in the dressing.
5. Serve with the Grill
For the ultimate summer experience, plate a generous scoop of this refreshing pasta salad right alongside your hot, juicy grilled meats. Dig in and enjoy the perfect balance of fresh, crunchy, and savory flavors!