Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for warm weather gatherings or quick weeknight dinners. This delightful salad is not only simple to make, but it also bursts with fresh flavors that can brighten any meal. With its vibrant combination of lemon and basil, this pasta salad is versatile enough to be tailored to your personal taste.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 290
Protein: 10g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fat: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Why Make Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a fantastic choice for a healthy side dish or a light main course. Packed with whole ingredients, this salad is bursting with vitamins and nutrients. The fresh basil adds a unique flavor profile, while the cherry tomatoes provide a pop of color and sweetness. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it perfect for anyone’s tastes.
How to Make Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Step by Step
Ingredients
8 ounces pasta (bow tie, penne, or rotini work great)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 teaspoon lemon zest
½ cup basil leaves, finely chopped
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in your pasta and cook it according to the package directions until al dente — tender but with just a little bite. Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cool water to stop the cooking. You want it to be just cool enough not to wilt your fresh ingredients later.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
While the pasta is cooling, grab a large bowl and whisk together the olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest. The aroma of fresh lemon hitting the olive oil is absolutely heavenly — like bottling up a bit of summer.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat every piece with that bright, citrusy goodness. Next, fold in the basil, Parmesan, feta, and cherry tomatoes. Be gentle — you want everything evenly distributed without smashing the tomatoes or bruising the basil.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
For the best flavor, cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This little rest gives the pasta time to soak up all those beautiful flavors. Give it a gentle toss before serving, and if you like, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan or a few more basil leaves on top for good measure.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it on its own as a refreshing lunch option. Serving it alongside a light vinaigrette-dressed garden salad makes for a delicious and healthy spread.
How to Store Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to three days. If you find the pasta is dry when you go to enjoy it again, a quick drizzle of olive oil or a splash of lemon juice will help revive its flavors. While it’s best eaten chilled, you can enjoy it right from the fridge without reheating. For longer storage, you can freeze the salad, but keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may change once thawed.
Expert Tips for Cooking Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
- Always cook pasta al dente for the best texture in your salad.
- For extra flavor, try adding roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Fresh herbs are key — try to use fresh basil over dried for maximum flavor.
- If you want a heartier salad, consider adding grilled shrimp or diced chicken.
- Remember to save a bit of the pasta water to adjust the dressing consistency if needed.
Delicious Variations of Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing. You can also experiment by adding roasted nuts or seeds for crunch. If you’re in the mood for something citrusy, you can mix in orange zest or even swap the lemon juice for lime juice for a unique twist.
Conclusion
Don’t hesitate to whip up this vibrant Lemon Basil Pasta Salad for your next meal! With its beautiful flavor combination and easy preparation, it’s the perfect addition to any table. Enjoy its versatility and let it inspire confidence in your cooking.
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Seasonings
- 8 ounces pasta (bow tie, penne, or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Fresh Ingredients
- ½ cup basil leaves, finely chopped Fresh basil is preferred over dried.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved Add gently to avoid bruising.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cool water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and gently toss to coat. Fold in the basil, Parmesan, feta, and cherry tomatoes without smashing them.
- Cover the bowl and let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
