Description

Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant side dish perfect for warm weather gatherings. Featuring al dente rotini pasta tossed with a zesty lemon and garlic dressing, fresh cherry tomatoes, aromatic basil, crunchy toasted pine nuts, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, this salad is both flavorful and satisfying. It’s easy to prepare ahead, making it an ideal dish for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner accompaniment.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

12 oz rotini or bowtie pasta

Dressing

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
2 tsp lemon zest
1/3 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove (minced)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Salad Mix-ins

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup pine nuts (toasted)

Optional

Arugula or spinach for serving

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil water and cook the rotini pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and chill it.
Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until fully combined to create the lemon dressing.
Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, chopped fresh basil, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything gently to mix.
Add Dressing and Pine Nuts: Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well until everything is evenly coated. Then stir in the toasted pine nuts for added crunch and flavor.
Chill and Serve: Place the pasta salad in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature, optionally over a bed of fresh arugula or spinach as a green base.

Notes

This pasta salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to develop deeper flavors.
For added protein, mix in grilled chicken pieces or a can of chickpeas.
Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free option.
Toast the pine nuts gently in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant to enhance their flavor.