Chilled Elegance: Summer Pasta Salad to Impress Your Picnic Friends

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Cottage cheese is lower in fat and calories.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Avocado oil offers health benefits and a mild flavor.

black olives

🥗Healthier: green olives

💰Cheaper: canned olives

Green olives are often less expensive and still flavorful.

pasta

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: gluten-free pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber while gluten-free options cater to dietary needs.

Trim the ends off the green beans.

Boil the green beans in salted water for about 2 minutes until bright green (blanching).

Prepare an ice bath to shock the green beans after boiling.

Transfer the blanched green beans to the ice bath for no more than 5 minutes to stop the cooking.

Use the same boiling water to cook the pasta, stirring it to prevent sticking.

Chop scallions and add them to the bowl with the green beans.

Cut corn off the cob and add to the bowl.

Cut cherry tomatoes in half and add to the bowl.

Zest and juice three lemons into a bowl.

Add salt and red pepper flake to the lemon juice and whisk together.

Add olive oil to the lemon dressing and whisk until combined.

Combine the cooked pasta with the vegetables in the bowl.

Add shaved parmigiano reggiano cheese to the pasta salad.

Tear fresh basil leaves by hand and add to the salad.

Season the salad with salt and pepper and mix well.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens