Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is your go-to dish for any occasion! It’s refreshing, vibrant, and loaded with flavors that perfectly blend together. This salad captures the essence of summer with every bite and is an absolute breeze to whip up for busy days or potlucks.
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: 32g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 180mg
Why Make Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is not just simple; it’s also a health-conscious choice packed with fresh ingredients. The combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a punch of vitamins and minerals, making it not only delicious but also quite nutritious. Plus, its flexibility means you can customize it to suit your taste. Whether you are preparing a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or a vibrant addition to a potluck, this salad rises to the occasion.
How to Make Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Step by Step
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne or bowtie work best)
1½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved, because whole tomatoes are a choking hazard)
1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls (tiny cheese balls = happiness)
½ cup fresh basil (chopped, don’t even think about using dried)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (good quality makes a difference)
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (squeeze it yourself—store-bought is cheating)
1 tsp lemon zest (adds an extra citrusy kick)
1 tsp honey (for a touch of sweetness)
1 tsp Dijon mustard (trust me, it works)
1 garlic clove (minced, because garlic improves everything)
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper (adds just the right amount of bite)
Directions
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Chop cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella pearls while pasta cools.
Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a large mixing bowl.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long).
How to Serve Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Serve Lemon Basil Pasta Salad as a main dish paired with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also makes an excellent picnic dish alongside fresh baguette and a light dessert. For a festive touch, consider serving it as a side to your favorite barbecue dishes.
How to Store Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Store any leftover Lemon Basil Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. While this salad is best enjoyed chilled, you can also reheat it slightly if you prefer it warm. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing the pasta separately from the dressing to maintain freshness.
Expert Tips for Cooking Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
- Use fresh pasta for an even lighter texture.
- Be generous with the basil; it adds a fragrant quality that’s hard to resist.
- Adjust the lemon juice and honey to find the sweet and tangy balance that suits your palate.
- Experiment with adding proteins like grilled shrimp or chicken for a heartier option.
- Make it ahead of time and let the flavors marinate for a few hours for an even tastier dish!
Delicious Variations of Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. You could also incorporate a variety of herbs like parsley or chives for an herbed version. If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, throw in some roasted vegetables such as zucchini or bell peppers.
Conclusion
Try making Lemon Basil Pasta Salad today! Its refreshing flavors and ease make it a delightful addition to any meal. You’ll love its versatility and how quickly it comes together. Enjoy every bite!
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Base Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne or bowtie) penne or bowtie work best
- 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes halved (whole tomatoes are a choking hazard)
- 1 cup fresh mozzarella pearls tiny cheese balls = happiness
- 0.5 cup fresh basil chopped, don’t even think about using dried
Dressing Ingredients
- 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil good quality makes a difference
- 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice squeeze it yourself—store-bought is cheating
- 1 tsp lemon zest adds an extra citrusy kick
- 1 tsp honey for a touch of sweetness
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard trust me, it works
- 1 clove garlic minced, because garlic improves everything
- 0.5 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper adds just the right amount of bite
Instructions
Preparation
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Chop cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella pearls while pasta cools.
Dressing
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl.
Combine
- Combine pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving (if you can wait that long).
