What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This lemon basil pasta salad is a revitalizing and vibrant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to prepare and bursting with bright flavors, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
**• Quick and easy to make with minimal prep time.
- Bursting with zesty lemon and fresh basil flavors.
- Versatile and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal.
Recipe
A revitalizing and zesty dish, Lemon Basil Pasta Salad combines the vibrant flavors of lemon and basil with perfectly cooked pasta. This salad is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light meal.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne works well)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil to the bowl. Toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes:
- For added protein, toss in grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Substitute cherry tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Serving: 4
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a revitalizing and nutritious dish, perfect for a light meal or side. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional content per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 4g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my lemon basil pasta salad with grilled chicken, as it adds a hearty touch without overpowering the fresh flavors.
For a lighter meal, I’ll often serve it with a simple fruit salad or a scoop of sorbet to keep things invigorating.
It’s all about balancing the zesty pasta with something that complements its bright, herby taste.
Grilled Chicken Options
When I’m making lemon basil pasta salad, I love pairing it with grilled chicken because it adds a hearty, savory touch that balances the dish perfectly.
I usually marinate the chicken beforehand using simple grilled chicken marinades like lemon-garlic or herb olive oil—they complement the salad’s flavors so well.
For chicken cooking methods, I prefer grilling it on medium-high heat to get those nice char marks while keeping it juicy inside.
Sometimes, I’ll slice the chicken and toss it right into the salad, or serve it whole on the side.
It’s a simple addition that makes the meal feel complete!
Light Dessert Pairings
After enjoying a rejuvenating lemon basil pasta salad, it’s nice to finish the meal with something sweet but not too heavy.
I love pairing it with light and invigorating desserts that don’t overpower the zesty flavors. A simple fruit salad with berries, citrus, and a drizzle of honey makes for perfect fruity compliments.
Another favorite is a scoop of lemon sorbet—it’s cool, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet.
If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll serve a slice of angel food cake with fresh whipped cream and strawberries.
These treats keep the meal balanced and leave me feeling satisfied, not stuffed.
