Pasta salad combines cooled pasta, fresh vegetables, and dressing for a tender bite with a little crunch. For a simple homemade lunch, Delia Smith Pasta Salad Recipe brings together fusilli, feta, tomatoes, and a fresh lemon dressing.
Ingredients
This recipe serves 6 people as a side dish or 4 as a light meal. You’ll need about 20 minutes for preparation, 12 minutes for cooking, and another 30 minutes for cooling.
For the Pasta Salad:
- 400g fusilli pasta
- 250g cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 200g feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Dressing:
- 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- ½ teaspoon caster sugar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fusilli is a good choice because its spirals hold the dressing and small pieces of vegetables. Penne or farfalle also works well. I prefer fresh lemon juice over bottled because it gives the dressing a cleaner, sharper taste.
How to Make Delia Smith Pasta Salad
Step 1
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook according to the packet instructions, usually 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
Cook until al dente, meaning tender with a slight firmness in the centre. Don’t let it become too soft, as overcooked pasta can break when mixed with the vegetables.
Drain the pasta well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Leave it to cool slightly while preparing the remaining ingredients.
Meanwhile, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and slice the red onion as thinly as possible. Small, evenly cut vegetables are easier to mix through the pasta and give you a little of everything in each forkful.
Step 2
Place the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, crushed garlic, and caster sugar in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper, then whisk until everything is combined.
Taste the dressing before using it. The lemon should give it a noticeable sharpness without overpowering the olive oil. Add another small squeeze of lemon if you prefer a stronger citrus flavour.
Pour about two-thirds of the dressing over the slightly warm pasta and toss gently. The pasta will take on some of the seasoning as it cools.
Leave it for around 20–30 minutes until completely cool. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
Step 3
Add the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion to the cooled pasta. Scatter over the crumbled feta, followed by the chopped basil and parsley.
Pour in the remaining dressing and carefully fold everything together using a large spoon. Avoid stirring too vigorously because the feta can crumble into tiny pieces and the tomatoes may lose their shape.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper. Feta is already salty, so you might not need much extra seasoning.
Serve straight away or cover and refrigerate until needed. If serving chilled, give the salad another gentle stir before placing it on the table.
What to Serve With Delia Smith Pasta Salad
Pasta salad is usually served cold or at room temperature, making it a good choice for lunch, barbecues, and outdoor gatherings. The lemon dressing pairs particularly well with grilled meat, fish, and roasted vegetables.
Grilled Chicken: Chicken seasoned with garlic, oregano, and black pepper goes nicely with the fresh vegetables and feta. Serve the chicken sliced alongside the pasta for a filling lunch.
Baked Salmon: Salmon with lemon and herbs adds a rich, savoury flavour without making the meal too heavy. The cucumber and tomatoes provide a fresh contrast.
Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread adds a crisp texture and works especially well when the pasta salad is served as the main dish.
Roasted Vegetables: Courgettes, peppers, and aubergines roasted with olive oil make a good vegetarian accompaniment.
For family lunches, I find Delia Smith Pasta Salad Recipe especially convenient because most of the preparation can be finished early. Add the fresh herbs shortly before serving if you want their colour and flavour at their freshest.
Delia Smith Pasta Salad Nutrition Information
The following nutritional values are estimates based on six equal servings. Actual amounts depend on the pasta, feta, and olive oil used.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 470 kcal |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 53g |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fibre | 3g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 500mg |
Pasta supplies most of the carbohydrates, while feta provides protein and calcium. Olive oil contributes mainly unsaturated fats, and the vegetables add fibre and vitamins. For a lighter portion, serve a smaller amount of pasta salad alongside grilled vegetables or lean protein.
FAQs
Can I Make Delia Smith Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes. You can prepare it several hours before serving and keep it covered in the refrigerator. For a fresher texture, add the cucumber, feta, and herbs shortly before serving. Give everything a gentle toss so the dressing coats the pasta evenly.
What Is the Best Pasta for Pasta Salad?
Fusilli, penne, and farfalle are all suitable choices. Their shapes hold dressing well and remain firm after cooling. I prefer fusilli because the spirals catch the herbs and small vegetable pieces.
Can I Make This Pasta Salad Without Feta?
Yes. Replace feta with mozzarella for a milder taste, or leave out the cheese completely. You can also add olives, roasted peppers, or extra cucumber if you want more vegetables.
How Long Does Pasta Salad Last in the Refrigerator?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days at 4°C or below. Refrigerate it promptly after preparation and avoid leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours. The vegetables may soften slightly during storage.
Why Does My Pasta Salad Become Dry?
Cooked pasta absorbs some of the dressing as it rests, particularly overnight. Before serving, add a small drizzle of olive oil and a little fresh lemon juice, then toss gently. This will loosen the pasta and bring back the fresh flavour without making the salad oily.