Zingy Lemon Herb Pasta Salad the Ultimate Bbq Sidekick
Recipe Introduction
Craving the Perfect BBQ Bite?
Ever find yourself staring at a plate full of BBQ ribs, thinking, "This is great, but it needs something ?" You know? Something fresh, zingy, and totally delicious? That's where this Zingy Lemon Herb Pasta Salad comes in!
It's the perfect side dish for bbq a total flavor bomb that'll balance out all that smoky goodness.
Summer Sunshine in a Bowl: The Lowdown
This recipe ain't just your average pasta salad recipe . Forget those heavy, mayo drenched things. We're talking a bright, vibrant lemon pasta salad bursting with fresh herbs and crunchy veggies.
This gem is super easy to make, ready in about an hour, and serves 6-8 hungry BBQ-goers. It's got Mediterranean vibes and a taste of summer.
Why This Salad Rocks Your BBQ World
Honestly? This salad is a game changer. The lemon vinaigrette is tangy and refreshing. Also, It cuts through the richness of BBQ.
Plus, it's packed with good stuff! All the herbs and veggies add vitamins and antioxidants, making you feel slightly less guilty about that extra sausage.
It’s one of those easy side dishes for BBQ that will wow everyone at your next potluck or garden party.
It will surely make your bbq friends happy!
This make-ahead BBQ side is a crowd pleasing BBQ side that's as tasty as it is easy to prepare. It is also perfect for potluck side dishes and picnic side dishes , and easily adapts to various dietary needs.
Now, let's get down to the nitty gritty and talk ingredients!
Ingredients & Equipment
Right, let's get down to brass tacks: the bits and bobs you need for this belter of a pasta salad.
Honestly, it's mostly fresh stuff. So, a trip to the shops is defo on the cards. But trust me, it's worth it.
This isn't one of those pasta salad recipes that skimps on quality!
Main Ingredients
First up, the main event. Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pound (450g) of farfalle pasta. Bowties, innit?
- 1/2 cup (120ml) of extra virgin olive oil. Splurge a little, yeah?
- 1/4 cup (60ml) of fresh lemon juice. Squeeze those lemons good!
- 2 tablespoons of white wine vinegar.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
- 1 teaspoon of honey. Optional, but adds a nice touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt, plus more to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, plus more to taste.
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved.
- 1/2 cup of cucumber, diced.
- 1/2 cup of red onion, diced.
- 1/2 cup of Kalamata olives, halved.
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese.
- 1/4 cup each of fresh basil and parsley, chopped.
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped (if you fancy).
Quality Indicators: Key thing here is the olive oil and the herbs. For the oil, look for something cold pressed. The herbs should be bright green and fragrant.
No sad, wilted parsley allowed!. Fresh ingredients are the key to making great Summer side dishes .
Seasoning Notes
The vinaigrette is where the magic happens. Don't be shy with the lemon. It needs that zing! I like a good pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick too.
You know, easy side dishes for BBQ need that something extra to cut through all the richness! If you don't have wine vinegar then cider vinegar works too.
Equipment Needed
Now, for the bits and bobs that aren't edible. No fancy gadgets needed, I promise!
- A big pot for the pasta.
- A colander for draining it.
- A large mixing bowl.
- A whisk.
- A chopping board and a decent knife.
- A lemon juicer.
Seriously, that's it. If you don't have a lemon juicer, just squeeze the lemon with your hands. It's not rocket science.
This is one of the ultimate side dishes for bbq , trust me. You'll be the star of the show with these BBQ side dishes .
Perfect grilled side dishes for a potluck side dishes , or even picnic side dishes . And, it is easy to make-ahead BBQ sides , which is why this should be one of the crowd pleasing BBQ sides .
Cooking Method: Zingy Lemon Herb Pasta Salad Your BBQ's New Best Mate
Alright, let's talk about making this amazing pasta salad. Honestly, it's so easy, even I can't mess it up! I love this particular pasta salad recipe as one of the best side dishes for BBQ .
You know how important the BBQ side dishes are! It can make or break the whole darn thing!
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Sorted!
First things first, get everything ready. This is called mise en place , fancy, right? Chop your cherry tomatoes (1 cup), cucumber (1/2 cup), and red onion (1/2 cup).
Get the olives (1/2 cup), feta (1/2 cup), and herbs (basil, parsley, mint, around 1/4 cup each). Make sure you have a lemon juicer handy.
Oh my gosh, I hate squeezing lemons by hand.
Pro tip: Do this a day before if you can. Then on the day, you are ready to assemble! Just like that!
step-by-step: Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy
- Cook the pasta: Boil your pasta (1 pound farfalle) in salted water until al dente, about 10- 12 minutes .
- Make the vinaigrette: Whisk together olive oil (1/2 cup), lemon juice (1/4 cup), white wine vinegar (2 tablespoons), garlic (2 cloves, minced), Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon), honey (1 teaspoon, optional), salt (1/2 teaspoon), and pepper (1/4 teaspoon).
- Assemble the salad: Toss the cooked pasta with the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, feta, and herbs.
- Dress it up: Pour the vinaigrette over everything. Gently toss to combine.
- Chill out: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . This lets the flavors meld together, you know?
Pro Tips: Secret Weapon Mode
Don't overcook the pasta! Seriously, nobody likes mushy pasta. Trust me. This is one of the easy side dishes for BBQ that you need to get right.
Always taste and adjust the vinaigrette to your liking. More lemon? Go for it! Lemon pasta salad is the best summer side dishes !
You can make this a day ahead of time. make-ahead BBQ sides are the best if you're having a lot of people!
Are you thinking to host the next BBQ party? I was thinking the same the other day... Honestly, thinking about a party makes me stressed but I know this crowd pleasing BBQ side will be there.
Let's get the BBQ on! And enjoy these amazing grilled side dishes !
Recipe Notes for Your BBQ Bash
Right, let's get into some extra bits and bobs to make this Zingy Lemon Herb Pasta Salad truly your own.
I've made this salad loads of times and I've learned a thing or two! Honestly, it's one of my go-to easy side dishes for BBQ parties.
Serve It Up! Presentation and Pairings
You know, presentation is key, even with BBQ side dishes . I like to pile this pasta salad high in a big, rustic bowl.
It just looks more inviting, doesn't it? For plating, a sprig of fresh basil on top adds a touch of class.
Thinking about the whole spread? This salad goes brilliantly with anything grilled! Think juicy burgers, sticky ribs, or even some veggie skewers.
For drinks, a crisp glass of lemonade or even a light, chilled white wine is spot on. It's all about that summer side dishes vibe.
Storing Your Salad: Keep It Fresh
Got leftovers? No worries! This lemon pasta salad keeps well. Just pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days .
Honestly, it gets even better as the flavors meld together! I don't recommend freezing it, though. The pasta can get a bit mushy when thawed.
Reheating isn't really necessary, it's best served chilled. You know, it’s the perfect make-ahead BBQ sides candidate.
Mix It Up: Variations for Everyone
One of the best things about this salad is how versatile it is. Got someone who’s avoiding dairy? Just skip the feta! It's still delicious.
For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Also, chuck in whatever seasonal veg you fancy. Roasted courgette (zucchini) is great in the summer! It is one of the greatest Potluck side dishes .
Quick Nutrition Lowdown
So, what's the good stuff? This salad is packed with vitamins from all those fresh veggies. It’s got a decent amount of fiber too, thanks to the pasta and veggies.
Of course, it’s not exactly a diet food, but it's a delicious way to get some nutrients in. Plus, lemon juice is packed with vitamin C! Perfect for Picnic side dishes .
This salad is sure to be a hit! So, get chopping, get mixing, and get ready to enjoy a crowd pleasing BBQ sides . You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good side dishes for BBQ, and is this pasta salad a good choice?
Finding killer side dishes for BBQ can be a bit of a sticky wicket! This Zingy Lemon Herb Pasta Salad is an excellent choice because it's light, refreshing, and cuts through the richness of BBQ meats like ribs or sausages.
Other great options include coleslaw, potato salad (though this is a healthier alternative!), and grilled vegetables.
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time for my BBQ, or will it get soggy?
Absolutely, prepping ahead is a brilliant idea! In fact, this pasta salad is even better when it's made a few hours in advance, as it allows the flavours to meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good toss before serving, and you're golden.
I'm not a big fan of feta cheese. Can I substitute it with something else in this side dishes for bbq recipe?
No worries, mate! You can easily swap out the feta. Goat cheese adds a lovely tang, or you could try ricotta salata for a similar salty flavour. If you're after a vegan option, either omit the cheese entirely or look for a good vegan feta alternative; there are some surprisingly good ones out there these days!
How long will this pasta salad keep in the fridge, and how should I store it?
This pasta salad will happily keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days, stored in an airtight container. Just be aware that the pasta might absorb some of the vinaigrette over time, so you might want to add a splash more lemon juice or olive oil before serving if it seems a bit dry.
It's the perfect make-ahead dish for a bank holiday barbie!
I want to add a bit of a kick to this pasta salad. Any suggestions?
Right on! If you're after a bit of zing, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the vinaigrette is a classic choice. You could also finely chop a fresh chili pepper and add it to the salad.
For a slightly different flavour profile, consider using a spicy Dijon mustard instead of the regular kind that'll certainly wake up your taste buds!
I'm a beginner cook. Is there anything I should watch out for when making this?
Welcome to the wonderful world of cooking! The most important thing is to not overcook the pasta; al dente is key. Also, don't be afraid to taste as you go and adjust the seasoning of the vinaigrette to your liking. Remember, it's your BBQ, your rules!
And don't stress if it's not perfect the first time practice makes perfect, as they say.
Zingy Lemon Herb Pasta Salad The Ultimate Bbq Si
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
