Description
A bright and refreshing summer pasta salad combining juicy peaches and cherries with peppery arugula, salty feta cheese, and a tangy honey-lemon dressing. This light, colorful, and versatile dish is perfect for warm days, picnics, or casual gatherings, packing vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients into a simple yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit and Greens
- 2 ripe, firm peaches, sliced into bite-sized wedges
- 1 cup cherries, pitted and halved
- 4 cups arugula, rinsed and dried thoroughly
Pasta
- 8 oz small shape pasta (farfalle, rotini, or penne)
Cheese
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Honey-Lemon Salad Dressing
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Fruit and Vegetables: Pit and halve the cherries. Slice the peaches into bite-sized wedges. Rinse and dry the arugula thoroughly to keep it crisp.
- Make the Honey-Lemon Salad Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, honey, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified into a smooth, tangy dressing.
- Combine Everything Gently: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooled pasta, peaches, cherries, arugula, and crumbled feta cheese. Pour the dressing over and toss lightly to coat evenly.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled for the most refreshing taste.
Notes
- Use ripe but firm peaches to avoid mushy texture and excess juice.
- Dry greens well to prevent diluting the dressing and sogginess.
- The honey-lemon dressing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated.
- Toss salad gently to avoid bruising fruit and greens.
- Adjust honey and lemon juice in the dressing to balance sweet and tart flavors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg