Chilled Zucchini Pasta Salad
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
This chilled zucchini pasta salad is a refreshing and light dish perfect for warm days or as a tasty side to any meal. Packed with vibrant vegetables, creamy feta, and aromatic mint, itโs a perfect balance of flavors that will elevate any meal. The marinated zucchini, mixed with pasta, tomatoes, celery, and olives, makes for an irresistible summer dish. Letโs dive right in!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mezze Maniche Rigate pasta | 320g |
| Zucchini | 500g |
| Celery | 150g |
| Feta cheese | 200g |
| Cherry tomatoes | 360g |
| Taggiasca olives | 80g |
| Fresh mint leaves | 10 leaves |
| Lime | 1 |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 50g |
| Sea salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Zucchini:
Start by thoroughly washing the zucchinis and trimming off both ends. Grate the zest of the lime and place it in a large mixing bowl. This will bring a citrusy fragrance and brighten the dish. -
Mint Prep:
Wash and dry the fresh mint leaves. Slice them finely into thin strips. Add these mint strips to the bowl with the lime zest. -
Lime Juice and Seasoning:
Squeeze the juice from the lime into the bowl with the zest and mint. Season with a pinch of sea salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to combine. -
Marinating the Zucchini:
Once the seasoning is well mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and set it aside for at least 1 hour. This marination step allows the zucchini to absorb the flavors of lime and mint, making it even more delicious. -
Prepare the Other Ingredients:
While the zucchini marinates, finely chop the celery into small pieces. If you want a slightly crunchy texture, keep the celery pieces about 1 inch long. Cube the feta cheese into small bite-sized pieces. -
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the mezze maniche rigate pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta, then set it aside to cool completely. -
Assemble the Salad:
After the zucchini has marinated for an hour, combine it with the cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, cut into halves, the diced feta cheese, the chopped celery, and the marinated zucchini along with its juices. Gently mix everything together to ensure the pasta and vegetables are well-coated in the flavorful marinade. -
Finish the Dish:
Drizzle the remaining olive oil over the pasta salad and give everything another gentle toss. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Your chilled zucchini pasta salad is now ready to serve. Garnish with additional mint leaves if desired for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Tips:
- You can make this salad a day ahead, as the flavors only improve after sitting in the fridge for a while.
- If you prefer a bit of crunch, you can add a handful of toasted nuts or seeds to the salad just before serving.
- Feel free to swap out the feta for a different cheese if you prefer, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, for a different texture and flavor.
This chilled zucchini pasta salad is the perfect dish for any occasion. Its light, fresh ingredients make it a satisfying yet healthy option for lunch or dinner. Enjoy!
