Go Back
To make a tasty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups of fusilli or penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients bring bright flavors and a fresh taste. The pasta serves as a great base. The veggies add crunch and color. The olive oil and lemon juice give a light, zesty dressing. Fresh basil adds a burst of herbal flavor. You can make this salad even better with some optional ingredients. Here are a few to consider: - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled Adding feta cheese gives a creamy texture and a salty kick. Feel free to mix in other ingredients like olives or chickpeas for more variety. Each addition can change the taste and make it unique. This salad is not just tasty; it is healthy, too. Here’s a quick look at the nutrition: - Calories: About 300 per serving - Protein: 9 grams - Fat: 15 grams - Carbohydrates: 36 grams - Fiber: 3 grams This salad packs a good amount of fiber and protein. It is light but filling, making it great for lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s perfect for sharing at a picnic or potluck. Check out the Full Recipe for all the details on making this delicious dish. To start, you need to cook the pasta. Use 2 cups of fusilli or penne pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. It usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. Rinsing stops the cooking. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. Next, let’s make the dressing. In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and the zest of one lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk this all together until it is smooth. This dressing will give your salad a bright and fresh flavor that pairs well with the pasta. Now it's time to combine everything. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta. Then, mix in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. Pour the dressing over this mixture. Gently toss it all together to coat everything well. Finally, add 1 cup of chopped fresh basil. Gently fold it into the salad. If you like, you can sprinkle some feta cheese on top for extra flavor. Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Lemon Basil Pasta Salad! To keep pasta from sticking together, rinse it with cold water after cooking. This method cools it down and removes excess starch. You can also add a bit of olive oil to the pasta. This creates a light coating that helps prevent sticking. Stir the pasta gently while it cools to separate any pieces. Always choose the freshest ingredients for the best flavor. Look for bright green basil leaves without brown spots. Select ripe cherry tomatoes that are firm and fragrant. When picking cucumbers and bell peppers, choose ones that are crisp and colorful. Fresh ingredients enhance the taste of your salad and make each bite delightful. Letting the pasta salad sit allows flavors to blend. After mixing everything, cover the bowl and chill it for at least 30 minutes. This gives the dressing time to soak into the pasta and veggies. If you can, chill it longer for even better flavor. Taste it before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad even more filling by adding protein. Grilled chicken or shrimp works great. Cook the chicken until it’s golden brown, then slice it. For shrimp, sauté them until they turn pink. Mix these protein options into the salad for a complete meal. You could also use canned tuna or chickpeas for a quick protein boost. Just make sure to adjust the dressing to balance the flavors. If you want a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. You can substitute it with avocado for creaminess. Another option is to add marinated tofu for protein. This keeps the salad fresh and light while giving it a nice texture. You might also try adding nuts or seeds for crunch. They add healthy fats and flavors. With these changes, you can enjoy a delicious plant-based dish. Seasonal ingredients make your pasta salad unique. In summer, add fresh corn or zucchini. They add sweetness and crunch. In fall, consider roasted butternut squash or apples for warmth. These flavors pair well with lemon and basil. You can also use seasonal herbs like cilantro or mint to switch things up. Customize your salad based on what’s fresh and available. This keeps it exciting and tasty throughout the year! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. To keep your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure to press out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps slow down spoilage. You can also use plastic wrap if you prefer. Just cover the bowl tightly. When stored properly, your pasta salad can last in the fridge for about three to five days. After this time, the quality may decline. The vegetables may become soggy, and the flavors can fade. To keep the salad tasting great, try to eat it within this timeframe. This pasta salad shines when served cold. If you want to reheat it, do so gently. Use a microwave and heat it in short bursts, checking often. If you choose to serve it cold, give it a good stir. This mixes the flavors back together. You can also add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh it. If you want to enjoy it fresh, you can find the full recipe at the beginning of the article. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting for a while. The flavors mix well when chilled. I suggest making it at least 30 minutes before serving. You can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just remember to stir it before serving to mix the flavors again. Fusilli or penne pasta works best for this salad. These shapes hold the dressing well. They also mix easily with the vegetables. You can use other shapes too, like rotini or farfalle. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente for the best texture. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. There are many options available, like rice or corn pasta. For a dairy-free version, skip the feta cheese. You can add avocado for a creamy texture instead. This way, you keep the salad fresh and tasty while meeting dietary needs. In this post, we explored making Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking tips, and ways to add flavor. You can choose various proteins or vegan options to fit your tastes. Remember, fresh ingredients enhance this dish. Store leftovers properly to keep them fresh for longer. You can easily prepare this salad ahead of time. Enjoy a bright, tasty meal that can bring joy to any table. Embrace creativity and make this dish your own!

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Discover a refreshing twist on summer meals with this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad! Packed with vibrant veggies like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, this dish is a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. Quick to prepare and ideal for gatherings, it's a must-try! Click through to explore this easy recipe and impress your friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy a light and zesty salad today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups of fusilli or penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Instructions
 

Begin by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.

      In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

        Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture, and gently toss to ensure everything is evenly coated.

          Add the chopped fresh basil and gently fold it into the salad. If using, sprinkle the feta cheese on top.

            Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

              Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a large bowl or individual portions, garnished with additional basil leaves and lemon wedges for a fresh touch.