How to Make the Best Linguine Salad (With a Creamy Lemon Dressing)

ByJennifer Lucks

How to Make Linguine Salad

Linguine salad is a light and refreshing summer dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. It is also a great way to use up leftover vegetables. This recipe is simple to follow and can be customized to your liking.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound linguine
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the linguine according to the package directions.
2. While the linguine is cooking, combine the red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, tomatoes, and basil in a large bowl.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Drain the linguine and add it to the bowl with the vegetables.
5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
6. Serve immediately or chill for later.

Tips

  • To make the salad ahead of time, cook the linguine and add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to serve, remove the salad from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before tossing it again.
  • If you do not have any fresh basil on hand, you can use 1/4 teaspoon dried basil instead.
  • You can also add other vegetables to the salad, such as carrots, celery, or radishes.
  • For a heartier salad, add some grilled chicken or shrimp.
  • Serve the salad with crusty bread or pita chips.

    Ingredients Instructions Notes
    • 1 pound linguine
    • 1/2 cup olive oil
    • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
    • 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
    • 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes
    • Salt and pepper to taste
    1. Cook the linguine according to the package directions.
    2. While the linguine is cooking, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, basil, parsley, red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.
    3. Drain the linguine and add it to the bowl with the dressing. Toss to coat.
    4. Serve immediately or chill for later.
    • You can use any type of pasta you like for this salad.
    • If you don’t have any fresh herbs, you can use 1 teaspoon dried basil and 1 teaspoon dried parsley instead.
    • You can also add other vegetables to the salad, such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers.
    • This salad is best served chilled.

    Ingredients

    Linguine Salad

    • 1 pound linguine
    • 1/2 cup olive oil
    • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
    • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
    • 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
    • 1/4 cup chopped tomato
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Grilled Shrimp Linguine Salad

    • 1 pound linguine
    • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
    • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
    • 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
    • 1/4 cup chopped tomato
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Chicken Caesar Linguine Salad

    • 1 pound linguine
    • 1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing
    • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
    • 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
    • 1/4 cup chopped tomato
    • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, grilled and shredded
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Tuna Nicoise Salad

    • 1 pound linguine
    • 1/2 cup olive oil
    • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
    • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
    • 1/4 cup chopped cucumber
    • 1/4 cup chopped tomato
    • 1/4 cup chopped hard-boiled egg
    • 1/4 cup canned tuna, drained
    • 1/4 cup olives, halved
    • 1/4 cup capers
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Equipment

    Linguine Salad

    • Large pot or Dutch oven
    • Salt
    • Water
    • Colander
    • Large bowl
    • Salad dressing
    • Olive oil
    • Vinegar
    • Fresh parsley
    • Fresh basil
    • Red onion
    • Cucumber
    • Tomato

    Grilled Shrimp Linguine Salad

    • Large pot or Dutch oven
    • Salt
    • Water
    • Colander
    • Large bowl
    • Salad dressing
    • Olive oil
    • Garlic powder
    • Paprika
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Fresh parsley
    • Fresh basil
    • Red onion
    • Cucumber
    • Tomato
    • Shrimp

    Chicken Caesar Linguine Salad

    • Large pot or Dutch oven
    • Salt
    • Water
    • Colander
    • Large bowl
    • Salad dressing
    • Parmesan cheese
    • Fresh parsley
    • Red onion
    • Cucumber
    • Tomato
    • Chicken breasts

    Tuna Nicoise Salad

    • Large pot or Dutch oven
    • Salt
    • Water
    • Colander
    • Large bowl
    • Salad dressing
    • Olive oil
    • Red wine vinegar
    • Fresh parsley
    • Fresh basil
    • Red onion
    • Cucumber
    • Tomato
    • Hard-boiled egg
    • Tuna
    • Olives
    • Capers

    Ingredients

    For the salad:

    • 1 pound linguine
    • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
    • 1/2 cup chopped celery
    • 1/2 cup chopped carrot
    • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
    • 1/2 cup chopped tomato
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    For the croutons:

    • 1 loaf French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Steps

    1. To make the croutons, preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
    2. In a large bowl, toss the bread cubes with the olive oil, salt, and pepper.
    3. Spread the bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
    4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the bread cubes are golden brown and crispy.
    5. Remove from the oven and set aside.

    6. To make the salad, cook the linguine according to the package directions.
    7. Drain the linguine and rinse it under cold water.
    8. In a large bowl, combine the linguine, red onion, celery, carrot, cucumber, tomato, parsley, and basil.
    9. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
    10. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
    11. Serve immediately, or chill for later.

    Tips

    • To make a vegan version of this salad, omit the croutons and use a vegan dressing.
    • For a gluten-free version of this salad, use gluten-free pasta.
    • If you don’t have any fresh herbs on hand, you can use 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil instead.
    • You can also add other vegetables to this salad, such as artichoke hearts, bell peppers, or olives.
    • For a heartier salad, add some grilled chicken or shrimp.
    • This salad is best served cold, but you can also serve it at room temperature.

    Linguine salad is a delicious and healthy summer salad that is perfect for a light meal or a side dish. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. So next time you are looking for a refreshing and flavorful salad, give linguine salad a try!

    How do I make linguine salad?

    To make linguine salad, you will need:

    • 1 pound linguine pasta
    • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
    • 1/2 cup chopped celery
    • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
    • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
    • 1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
    • 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
    • 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
    • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
    • 1/4 cup olive oil
    • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
    • Salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Cook the linguine according to the package directions.
    2. While the pasta is cooking, combine the red onion, celery, carrots, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, cucumber, tomatoes, and parsley in a large bowl.
    3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
    4. Drain the linguine and add it to the bowl with the vegetables.
    5. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
    6. Serve immediately or chill for later.

    What are some variations on linguine salad?

    There are many different variations on linguine salad. Here are a few ideas:

    • Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
    • Add nuts or seeds for crunch.
    • Use different types of vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or zucchini.
    • Use different types of dressing, such as balsamic vinaigrette, ranch dressing, or honey mustard dressing.
    • Top the salad with croutons, Parmesan cheese, or crumbled feta cheese.

    How can I make linguine salad ahead of time?

    You can make linguine salad ahead of time by cooking the pasta and assembling the salad. However, it is best to wait to add the dressing until just before serving. This will help to keep the salad from becoming soggy.

    How do I store linguine salad?

    Linguini salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store, simply place the salad in an airtight container. When you are ready to eat, let the salad come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.

    What are some tips for making linguine salad?

    Here are a few tips for making linguine salad:

    • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients.
    • Make sure to season the salad well with salt and pepper.
    • Use a variety of vegetables to create a colorful and flavorful salad.
    • Drizzle the salad with just enough dressing to coat the ingredients.
    • Serve the salad immediately or chill for later.

    Enjoy!

    linguine salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish. It is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a linguine salad recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you are looking for a light and refreshing meal, give linguine salad a try!

    Author Profile

    Jennifer Lucks
    Jennifer Lucks
    With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.

    Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.

    In 2024, we embarked on a new chapter in our journey as we expanded our horizons to share our wealth of knowledge and expertise with a broader audience. With a keen focus on event management and culinary arts, we launched an informative blog aimed at empowering individuals with the insights and inspiration they need to plan unforgettable events and elevate their culinary skills.

    Thank you for considering Lucks Caterers as your partner in culinary excellence. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to collaborate with you and create unforgettable memories together.