Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a bright and refreshing dish that captures the essence of spring, then this Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is just what you need! It’s a delightful mix of flavors that come together effortlessly, making it a favorite in our household. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a sunny picnic with friends, this pasta salad never disappoints. The combination of lemony goodness, fresh basil, and nutty parmesan makes it a standout that everyone will love.

Perfect for gatherings or just for meal prep during the week, this recipe yields about 9 cups. You can enjoy it as a side dish or add some protein to make it a complete meal. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to keep this Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad on rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This salad comes together in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: With its zesty dressing and creamy cheese, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can whip it up in advance and let the flavors meld in the fridge—great for meal prep!
• Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with fresh vegetables and healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, it’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
• Versatile: This recipe is flexible enough to adapt to your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is easy with these simple and wholesome ingredients. Gather them up, and let’s get started!

For the Dressing

• 1 to 2 cloves garlic (grated)
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the Salad

• 1 pound bowtie pasta (or other small pasta of choice)
• Fine salt (for seasoning pasta water)
• 1/3 cup pine nuts
• 2 handfuls baby arugula (you can eyeball this)
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for serving)
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves (plus more for serving if desired)
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Variations

This Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun ways to mix things up:

• Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
• Jazz Up the Greens: Swap out arugula for spinach or kale if you prefer.
• Change the Nuts: Try walnuts or almonds instead of pine nuts for a different crunch.
• Add More Veggies: Include cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.

How to Make Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by whisking together all the dressing ingredients in a bowl. Combine the grated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and olive oil. This dressing will bring all the flavors together beautifully. The lemon zest adds brightness while the dijon provides a lovely tang.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to taste-test! Cooking it just right keeps it from becoming mushy in the salad later.

Step 3: Toast the Pine Nuts

While your pasta cooks, toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them—they can burn quickly! Toasting enhances their nutty flavor and adds depth to your salad.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Once your pasta is cooked and drained (don’t forget to reserve some pasta water), transfer it to a large mixing bowl while it’s still warm. Add in the arugula, toasted pine nuts, freshly grated parmesan cheese, sliced basil leaves, and pour that delicious dressing over everything. Toss gently until well combined. The warmth of the pasta helps absorb all those wonderful flavors!

Step 5: Season & Serve

Finally, season your salad with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Feel free to serve immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before enjoying—this allows those lovely flavors to meld even more!

And there you have it—a beautiful Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

Creating the perfect Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is a breeze with just a few handy tips to elevate your dish!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil, arugula, and high-quality parmesan cheese make a world of difference in flavor. Fresh ingredients not only enhance the taste but also contribute to the vibrant look of your salad.

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente when cooking your pasta. This ensures it retains a bit of bite and won’t turn mushy once mixed with the dressing, keeping your salad pleasantly textured.

• Toast the pine nuts: A quick toast in a dry skillet brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Toasting also enhances their aroma, making your salad even more irresistible!

• Let it chill: Allowing your pasta salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Chilling not only improves taste but also makes for a refreshing dish on warm days.

• Adjust seasoning to taste: Don’t shy away from tasting as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor.

How to Serve Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

This Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger spread. Here are some ideas on how to present this delightful dish!

Garnishes

• Extra parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top before serving adds richness and an appealing finish.
• Lemon wedges: Serve lemon wedges alongside the salad for guests who like an extra squeeze of citrus for brightness.
• Fresh basil leaves: A few whole basil leaves on top create an attractive presentation and reinforce that fresh herb flavor.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes are not only visually appealing but also add a smoky depth that complements the fresh flavors of the salad.

• Caprese Salad: This classic Italian salad made with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella (or plant-based alternative), and fresh basil offers a creamy contrast to the zesty pasta salad.

• Crispy Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread or crostini served warm provides a satisfying texture that pairs beautifully with the lightness of the pasta salad.

• Chilled Cucumber Soup: A refreshing cucumber soup infused with herbs serves as a cool counterpart, making it perfect for hot summer days alongside your delicious pasta dish.

Now you’re all set to serve up this Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad! Whether it’s for a picnic, barbecue, or family gathering, this dish will surely be a hit. Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is perfect for meal prep! It holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it a great option for busy weekdays or gatherings. You can prepare it in advance and have a delicious and refreshing dish ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If the pasta seems dry after a day, add a splash of olive oil or lemon juice to refresh it before serving.

Freezing

• While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this pasta salad if needed.
• Place the salad in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

• This dish is typically served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary.
• If you prefer it warm, gently heat it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of olive oil to help loosen it up.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad.

Can I use other types of pasta for Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is a great choice, feel free to swap it out for any small pasta shape you enjoy. Penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options work beautifully!

How long does Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this vibrant pasta salad can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Just remember to give it a stir and add a little extra dressing if needed before serving!

Can I customize the ingredients in Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad?

Yes! This recipe is very adaptable. You can add your favorite vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, swap out arugula for spinach, or incorporate different herbs such as parsley or cilantro.

Is there a way to make Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad vegan?

Certainly! To make this dish vegan-friendly, simply replace the parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or your favorite vegan cheese alternative. This will give you that cheesy flavor without any animal products!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad as much as I do! Its delightful blend of flavors makes it not just a meal but an experience that brightens up any table. Enjoy making this dish for your family or friends, and don’t forget to share the love by inviting them to join you in savoring every bite! Happy cooking!