If you’re searching for a dish that’s bright, zesty, and packed with vibrant summer flavors, look no further than this Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe. This salad is a sunshine-filled bowl of al dente pasta tossed with tangy lemon, garden-fresh basil, nutty Parmesan, and colorful veggies. Every bite captures a taste of the Mediterranean, making it just as ideal for weeknight dinners as it is for potlucks, parties, or easy lunches. Here’s how to bring this irresistible crowd-pleaser to your own table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s celebrate the beauty of simple, high-quality ingredients! Each one in this Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe adds a special touch—whether it’s punchy brightness, creamy richness, or a pop of color. Gather these items and get ready for a bowlful of irresistible goodness.
- Pasta (12 oz rotini or bowtie): Choose a short, spiral or bow-shaped pasta to trap the dressing and veggies in each bite.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/3 cup): This is the heart of your dressing, providing silky texture and rich Mediterranean flavor.
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon: Use both for an extra boost of citrus that infuses the salad with summery brightness.
- Mayonnaise (2 tbsp, optional): For those who love a hint of creaminess, mayo is your secret weapon without overshadowing the fresh flavors.
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Adds subtle tang and complexity to balance the lemon and oil.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Lends a punch of savory warmth—don’t skip this for true Italian flair!
- Salt (1/2 tsp) and black pepper (1/4 tsp): Essential seasonings to heighten every ingredient.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Juicy, sweet pops of color that deliver summertime flavor in every forkful.
- Cucumber (1 cup, diced): Gives refreshing crunch and coolness to balance the zesty dressing.
- Red onion (1/2 cup, thinly sliced): For sharp, vibrant bite and a gorgeous pink-and-purple hue.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, shredded): Salty, nutty richness that turns a good salad into a great one.
- Fresh basil leaves (1/2 cup, torn): These fragrant leaves add freshness and a burst of green you can taste.
- Pine nuts or slivered almonds (1/4 cup, optional, toasted): Toast them for golden crunch that brings depth and elegance.
How to Make Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start with a pot of boiling, salted water—don’t be shy with the salt, as it flavors the pasta from within. Cook the rotini or bowtie pasta until perfectly al dente, following the package instructions. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse under cold water to cool it down fast and stop the cooking process. This will also help prevent sticking and keep the salad fluffy instead of clumpy.
Step 2: Make the Zesty Lemon Dressing
In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, the juice and zest of your lemon, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. If you love a creamier finish, add in the mayonnaise now. Whisk or shake vigorously until the dressing is fully blended and lightly thickened—it should taste bright, herby, and just a little bit tangy.
Step 3: Chop and Prep Your Veggies
While the pasta cooks and dressing comes together, slice your cherry tomatoes in half, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion. It’s worth the extra minute to make sure everything is bite-sized and uniform, which gives the finished salad a beautiful look and balanced flavor in every scoop.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, shredded Parmesan, and those fabulous torn basil leaves. Pour the vibrant lemon dressing over the top and toss everything together gently but thoroughly, so every bit of pasta is coated and glossy.
Step 5: Finish and Chill
If you’re using pine nuts or slivered almonds, toast them in a dry skillet for a few minutes until golden and fragrant—this small step packs a big punch. Sprinkle them over your salad just before serving for added crunch. For the ultimate flavor, cover and chill your Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the dressing to soak into the pasta and marry all the flavors.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
Garnishes
A finishing sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a few whole basil leaves, and another quick zest of lemon right before serving makes this dish pop both visually and flavor-wise. For a restaurant-worthy touch, add a handful of toasted pine nuts on top, or even a crack of fresh black pepper.
Side Dishes
Pair this Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a lovely protein boost, or serve alongside classic picnic fare like sandwiches, green salads, or crusty bread. It’s also a winning side for a cookout or a light lunch with soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling the pasta salad into a large shallow bowl or a vintage platter lined with extra basil leaves. For parties, scoop portions into small mason jars or clear cups for easy grab-and-go servings. You can even stuff some of the salad into hollowed bell peppers or serve on endive spears for a fun, colorful appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe taste even better the next day! If it looks a bit dry after chilling, simply stir in a splash of olive oil or lemon juice before serving.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as the veggies and pasta lose texture when frozen. Freezing is not recommended for this particular recipe, but you can pre-chop veggies or pre-cook and freeze the pasta (tossed with a bit of oil) for quicker assembly later if you need a head start.
Reheating
Since this is a cold pasta salad, there’s no need to reheat it. In fact, it’s most delicious straight from the fridge or after coming to room temperature for about 10–15 minutes. If adding grilled chicken or shrimp, serve those warm over your cold salad for a fantastic temperature contrast.
FAQs
Can I make Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! Just swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative and try vegan mayo if you’d like a creamy dressing. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based, making this a fantastic vegan-friendly dish.
Can I use a different type Side Dish, Salad
Sure thing! Rotini and bowties work best because their shapes hold onto the dressing and vegetables, but penne or fusilli are great alternatives. Just avoid long noodles like spaghetti, as they’re harder to toss and serve cold.
How can I add protein to the salad?
Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas are delicious ways to turn Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe into a main course. Add your favorite, or try a simple can of drained white beans for a vegetarian, protein-packed twist.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Fresh basil is truly best for its bold, aromatic flavor, but in a pinch, you can use baby spinach or arugula for that green note, or even a sprinkle of dried basil (start with a teaspoon and taste). But if you can, don’t skip the fresh!
Can I make this salad in advance for a party?
Definitely. In fact, Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe tastes even more vibrant when made a few hours ahead, letting the flavors mingle. Just hold off on adding the toasted nuts and extra basil until just before serving so they stay fresh and crisp.
Final Thoughts
This Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to make all summer long—and maybe even in the fall and winter, too, for a taste of sunshine. I hope you gather your favorite people, whip up a big bowl, and savor every tangy, cheesy, herby bite. Let me know how it goes, and don’t forget to try your own creative twists!
Print
Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: An Incredible Ultimate Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and vibrant Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad that is the ultimate summer recipe. This cold pasta salad is bursting with flavors of lemon, basil, and Parmesan, making it a perfect side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salad:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup pine nuts or slivered almonds (optional, toasted for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Rinse under cold water to cool.
- Make Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Parmesan cheese, and basil.
- Toss: Pour dressing over the salad and toss until coated. Add pine nuts if desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
- For a stronger lemon flavor, increase zest to taste.
- This salad is great for picnics and potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Salad
- Method: Boiling, assembly
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 6 mg
