Lemon Poppyseed Dressed Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is cool and zesty, and the lemon poppyseed dressing gives it a burst of flavor. This salad is great as a side dish for any event, like a picnic or a potluck.

Ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta e
• g
• , rotini or fusilli
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons poppyseeds
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente

Drain and let it cool

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh basil

In a separate small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, poppyseeds, salt, and pepper to make the dressing

Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together until well coated

Gently fold in the crumbled feta cheese

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld

Before serving, garnish with additional basil leaves if desired

Serve chilled and enjoy