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
Scale
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
