Description
A vibrant summer pasta salad bursting with juicy peaches and cherries, peppery arugula, salty feta, and a bright honey-lemon dressing. It’s fresh, colorful, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
- 2 large ripe peaches, thinly sliced
- 1 cup sweet cherries, pitted and halved
- 3 cups fresh arugula
- 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
- While the pasta cooks, whisk together olive oil, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking, then shake off excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, sliced peaches, halved cherries, and arugula.
- Pour the honey-lemon dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is lightly coated.
- Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top and give a final gentle toss.
- Serve immediately or chill for about 20 minutes for a refreshing cold salad.
Notes
- Cook pasta just until al dente so it holds its bite after dressing.
- Chill the pasta slightly before tossing to keep arugula perky.
- Add toasted nuts like almonds or walnuts at serving time for crunch.
- Dress gradually, then adjust salt, pepper, and lemon to taste.
- Use perfectly ripe peaches for the best sweet, juicy contrast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil and toss
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: summer pasta salad, peaches, cherries, arugula, feta, honey lemon dressing, picnic salad, potluck salad, vegetarian pasta salad, cold pasta salad