Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe is a delightful dish perfect for warm days or busy weeknights. It’s incredibly simple to make, packed with fresh ingredients, and bursting with flavors. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a family gathering or preparing lunch for the week, this salad is customizable to suit everyone’s taste.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 250
Protein: 8g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
Why Make Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe
This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe is not just delicious; it’s also a nutritious option filled with colorful veggies and the wholesome goodness of pasta. The fresh ingredients give it a vibrant taste, making it a perfect choice for picnic lunches or barbecues. Plus, it’s highly versatile – you can add grilled chicken for protein, toss in mozzarella pearls for creaminess, or throw in olives for a salty bite.
How to Make Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe Step by Step
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (bowtie, penne, or rotini works best)
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- ½ red onion (thinly sliced)
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: Add grilled chicken, mozzarella pearls, or olives for extra flavor
Directions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly.
- Make the lemon basil dressing: In a small bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until fully blended.
- Chop the veggies and basil: While the pasta cools, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh basil leaves. Set aside.
- Mix the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to mix.
- Add the dressing: Pour the lemon basil dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss again until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
- Chill before serving: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Give it a final toss before serving.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe
Enjoy this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe as a standalone dish, or serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. Pair it with crusty bread for a picnic, or add it to a colorful charcuterie board. It makes an excellent side dish for summer barbecues and gatherings.
How to Store Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, enhancing the salad even further. Avoid freezing the pasta salad as the texture of the ingredients may become mushy after thawing.
Expert Tips for Cooking Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
- Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to enhance its taste.
- Customize it with your favorite veggies or protein options for a personal touch.
Delicious Variations of Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe
- For a spicy kick, add sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Consider incorporating different herbs such as parsley or chives for a unique flavor twist.
- Go vegetarian by including roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
Conclusion
This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe is a must-try for its freshness, ease of preparation, and versatility. Perfect for any occasion, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser that keeps you coming back for more. Enjoy making it for your gatherings and savor the vibrant flavors!
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (bowtie, penne, or rotini works best)
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup cucumber (diced)
- 0.5 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 0.5 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 0.33 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste) For seasoning
Optional Additions
- grilled chicken For additional protein
- mozzarella pearls For creaminess
- olives For a salty bite
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool it down quickly.
- In a small bowl or mason jar, combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake well until fully blended.
- While the pasta cools, chop cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh basil leaves. Set aside.
Mixing
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, basil, and Parmesan cheese. Toss gently to mix.
- Pour the lemon basil dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss again until everything is well coated and evenly distributed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Give it a final toss before serving.
