Cold Lemon Dill Pasta
A bright and refreshing pasta salad tossed with lemon, fresh dill, and olive oil—perfect for warm days or make-ahead lunches.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
- 12 oz (340 g) fusilli or rotini pasta
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons (about 4 tbsp juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 2 tbsp capers, drained (optional)
- ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes.
- Drain pasta and rinse under cold water until cool. Shake off excess water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic.
- Add cooled pasta, chopped dill, and red onion (if using). Toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in capers and cherry tomatoes, if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Before serving, give the pasta one last toss and adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- Make ahead: Prep up to 1 day in advance and keep chilled.
- Variations: Swap dill for parsley or basil.
- Add-ins: Grilled chicken or feta cheese for extra protein.
- Storage: Keeps in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: cold pasta, lemon dill pasta, pasta salad, make-ahead lunch, summer recipe