Poppy Seed Pasta Salad

Bright, fresh, and a little tangy, this Poppy Seed Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish for any gathering or a light main course on warmer days! Featuring tender mini pasta shells tossed in a creamy poppy seed dressing enhanced with zesty lemon juice and olive oil, this recipe balances rich, creamy textures with crisp vegetables like red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Crumbled feta cheese adds a delightful tang, while freshly chopped parsley elevates each bite with a burst of herbaceous flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, this make-ahead pasta salad is easy to prepare and even easier to love. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, and weeknight dinners, this vibrant dish is as versatile as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 63/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz mini pasta shells
• 0.5 cup poppy seed dressing
• 0.25 cup mayonnaise
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Cook the pasta shells in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.

Step 2

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the poppy seed dressing, mayonnaise, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and well combined.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced red bell pepper, diced cucumber, red onion, and chopped parsley.

Step 4

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 5

Fold in the crumbled feta cheese, ensuring it is distributed throughout the salad.

Step 6

Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste, and give everything one final mix.

Step 7

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and garnish with extra parsley or feta cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(996.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2649.0

Total Fat 128.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 31.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 21.7g
Cholesterol 176.4mg	0%
Sodium 3709.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 317.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.8g	0%
Total Sugars 47.9g
Protein 63.5g	0%

Vitamin D 4.7IU	0%
Calcium 765.9mg	0%
Iron 8.9mg	0%
Potassium 1197.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 43.1%

Protein: 9.5%

Carbs: 47.5%