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