Watermelon Basil Feta Salad with Protein Pasta

Name: Watermelon Basil Feta Salad with Protein Pasta
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 37 min
Ingredients: 1/2 watermelon (cubed); 12 ozq feta cheese (crumbles or block); 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped); 1 box protein pasta; 2 tbsp olive oil

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Watermelon Basil Feta Salad is the perfect recipe to make during warmer months! It's filled with healthy, refreshing ingredients and comes together with the protein pasta.

Watermelon Basil Feta Salad with Protein Pasta in a bowl.

JACKPOT! you just found your go-to healthy, summer pasta salad.

This Watermelon Basil Feta Salad is the perfect recipe to make during warmer months! You can bring to a summer BBQ, pot luck or a casual dinner at home.

As soon as the weather starts to get warmer, this is the most requested recipe in our household.

Pro Tip : Cut the watermelon into cubes ahead of time and store in the fridge before assembling the pasta salad. My family prefers when I do this rather than slicing right before combining the ingredients together.

Ingredient Notes

Watermelon
Feta Cheese
Protein Pasta
Fresh Basil
Olive Oil

Watermelon Basil Feta Salad Ingredients with Pasta in a large mixing bowl.

What's the best pasta to use in a pasta salad?

Any short pasta will work for this recipe. However, I look to add in a protein pasta to up the protein in the entire recipe.

My go-to is any chickpea past such as Whole Food's chickpea pasta, Banza or Barilla chickpea pastas.

However, you can use any pasta you want and it doesn't have to be protein based. It can be regular, gluten free or fresh pasta.

How to Make Watermelon Basil Feta Salad

Boil water for the pasta and cook according to the package instructions
Prep the other ingredients, such as the watermelon if not already cut into small cubes
Cut the feta cheese into cubes if you aren't using feta cheese crumbles
Chop the basil until you have about ½ cup
Once the pasta is cooked al dente, draine and rinse with cold water
Add the pasta to a large serving or mixing bowl. Add in the other ingredients.
Drizzle olive oil on top and mix until fully combined.
Top with a little bit of extra feta cheese and fresh basil for serving
Enjoy!

Cooked Pasta in a large mixing bowl. — Cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl.

Watermelon Basil Feta Salad with pasta in a large mixing bowl. — Watermelon, Basil and Feta with Pasta

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use fresh basil?

I highly recommend using fresh as it is a stronger flavor and brings the dish together. However, if you have to use dried basil that is okay too!

Should I use a block of feta or the crumbles?

I recommend using crumbles for easier prep and assembly. However, I have made this with a block of feta that I cut into cubes. It is just as delicious!

Do I have to use protein pasta?

Nope! You can use any type or brand of pasta that you prefer. I just like to sneak in a little extra protein.

How do I know the pasta is cooked enough?

I like to test it so that I know if it's done to my liking. The pasta should be soft enough to eat but still have a slight bite to it!

How should leftovers of this pasta salad be stored?

Store any leftovers in an airtight/sealed container for up to 5 days.

Watermelon Basil Feta Salad with Pasta in a Bowl

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