Easy Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
This Easy Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish with tangy lemon, fresh basil, and creamy parmesan, perfect as a side or light meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 box gemelli pasta (or your favorite type of short pasta)
½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
¼ cup fresh basil, sliced thin
Optional toppings: lemon zest, extra parmesan cheese & sliced fresh basil
¼ cup lemon juice
¼ cup olive oil
2 garlic cloves
2 Tbsp fresh basil, sliced thin
Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, basil, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, shredded parmesan, and thinly sliced basil.
- Pour the lemon-basil vinaigrette over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- If desired, top with lemon zest, extra parmesan cheese, and fresh basil slices for added flavor.
- Chill the pasta salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
For added protein, include grilled chicken or shrimp.
Substitute the gemelli pasta with other types of short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne.
Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or olives for more freshness.
For a vegan version, omit the parmesan cheese and use a dairy-free alternative.
Try adding a teaspoon of honey to the vinaigrette for a touch of sweetness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/easy-lemon-basil-pasta-salad/
