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Easy Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Artichokes and Olives

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A bright, zesty, and light pasta salad featuring a tangy lemon vinaigrette, marinated artichokes, and mixed olives. Perfect for summer meals, picnics, and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 1 cup marinated and chopped artichoke hearts
  • ½ cup mixed green and black olives, pitted and sliced
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or fusilli pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta. Set aside.
  2. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, and salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste until emulsified.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 1 cup chopped marinated artichoke hearts, ½ cup sliced mixed olives, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional), and ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley. Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  4. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Toss again before serving and garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Rinsing the pasta after cooking stops the cooking process and prevents clumping. Emulsify the vinaigrette well to avoid separation. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Adding feta cheese or toasted pine nuts can enhance flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon vinaigrette, pasta salad, artichokes, olives, summer recipe, easy pasta salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/easy-lemon-vinaigrette-pasta-salad-recipe-with-artichokes-and-olives-perfect-for-summer/