Description
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a colorful, vibrant dish that captures the essence of summer in every bite. With al dente pasta tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, fresh basil, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this salad is perfect for potlucks, barbecues, or a light lunch on a sunny day. Quick to prepare and utterly delicious, it’s destined to be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups short pasta (e.g., fusilli or rotini)
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with chopped basil and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently until evenly coated.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and give it one final toss; adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with extra basil for garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cooking Required
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg