Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

If you’re looking for a refreshing and easy dish to brighten up your table, this Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is just the thing! It’s one of those recipes that I keep coming back to, especially during the warmer months. The combination of zesty lemon, fresh basil, and nutty parmesan creates a symphony of flavors that can elevate any meal. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, prepping for a picnic, or simply need a quick weeknight dinner solution, this salad fits the bill beautifully.

What makes this recipe extra special is its simplicity. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can whip up a vibrant pasta salad that everyone will love. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep—just make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad comes together in just about 45 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: With its delightful flavors and colorful ingredients, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare this salad in advance and let the flavors meld together. It gets even better after sitting in the fridge!
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a side or make it the star of your meal. It goes wonderfully with grilled vegetables or chicken!
• Fresh and Vibrant Flavor: The combination of lemon, basil, and parmesan creates a fresh taste that’s perfect for spring and summer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that will bring our Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad to life! Each component plays an important role in creating that deliciousness we’re after.

For the Dressing

• 1 to 2 cloves garlic (grated (2 cloves if small))
• 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 (I 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 (optional))
• kosher salt (to taste)
• freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add Protein: Toss in some grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.
• Swap the Greens: If arugula isn’t your favorite, try spinach or kale instead for a different flavor profile.
• Change Up the Cheese: Feta or goat cheese can provide a tangy twist if you want something different from parmesan.
• Incorporate Seasonal Veggies: Add in cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or cucumbers to enhance freshness and color.

How to Make Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions. Make sure to add fine salt to the boiling water; this enhances the flavor of the pasta itself. Once cooked al dente, drain it and let it cool slightly. This step is essential because it prevents sogginess when combined with other ingredients.

Step 2: Toast the Pine Nuts

While your pasta cooks, toast your pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are golden brown. This will take just a few minutes. Keep an eye on them—nuts can go from perfect to burnt very quickly! Toasting them brings out their rich flavor and adds a lovely crunch to our salad.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine grated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and extra virgin olive oil. Whisk everything together until well blended. This bright dressing is what ties all our ingredients together beautifully!

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, combine your cooled pasta with toasted pine nuts, baby arugula, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and sliced basil leaves. Drizzle on that delightful dressing we made earlier and toss gently until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust with more kosher salt or black pepper as needed—it should be balanced yet vibrant!

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Allow your Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This helps all those wonderful flavors meld together even more! When ready to serve, feel free to sprinkle additional parmesan cheese or fresh basil on top for an extra touch.

Enjoy every bite of this refreshing salad with family and friends—it’s sure to become a favorite!

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

Creating a delicious pasta salad is all about maximizing flavor and texture, and I’m here to help you nail it!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and arugula elevate the dish’s flavor profile, giving it that vibrant spring taste. Whenever possible, opt for organic or locally sourced produce.
• Toast your pine nuts: Toasting brings out the natural oils and enhances the nutty flavor of pine nuts. Just a few minutes in a dry skillet will make a big difference!
• Season your pasta water: Adding fine salt to the boiling water before cooking the pasta ensures that every bite is flavorful. It’s an easy step that can often be overlooked.
• Let it chill: Allowing your salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving helps meld the flavors together, making each bite even more delicious.
• Customize your cheese: While parmesan is fantastic, feel free to experiment with other hard cheeses like pecorino or a dairy-free option to suit your taste preferences!

How to Serve Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

When it comes to serving this delightful pasta salad, think colorful presentations and complementary flavors. Whether it’s a picnic or a cozy dinner at home, this dish shines on any table!

Garnishes

• Extra lemon zest: A sprinkle of lemon zest right before serving adds a burst of freshness and brightens the overall flavor.
• Chopped fresh basil: A few extra basil leaves on top not only look beautiful but also enhance that aromatic herbaceous quality.
• Cracked black pepper: A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper can add just the right amount of spice and sophistication.

Side Dishes

• Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of seasonal vegetables brushed with olive oil and herbs are a perfect complement to the lightness of the pasta salad.
• Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella (or vegan alternatives), and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a classic Italian side that balances well with our lemony dish.
• Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a lemony dressing offers a refreshing contrast while keeping things healthy.
• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread is always an excellent choice! Its buttery richness pairs beautifully with the tangy flavors of the pasta salad.

Enjoy your Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad with these simple tips and serving ideas—it’s bound to be a hit at any gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can whip it up ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, making it perfect for busy days or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta salad to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• If possible, keep the salad dressing separate until you’re ready to serve for best flavor.

Freezing

• This pasta salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh ingredients; however, you can freeze individual servings if necessary.
• Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and use within one month for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen portions in the refrigerator overnight before using.
• If serving cold, simply toss with a little extra olive oil and lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
• For a warm version, gently heat in a pan over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about this delicious recipe.

Can I make Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pasta salad tastes even better when made a day in advance as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it properly!

What can I substitute for parmesan cheese in Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad?

If you prefer a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast works wonderfully as a substitute for parmesan cheese. It gives a similar umami flavor without any dairy.

How do I customize my Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad?

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers! You could also include grilled chicken or chickpeas for added protein.

Can I use another type of pasta for this salad?

Definitely! While bowtie pasta is delightful, any small pasta shape such as fusilli or penne will work perfectly in this Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad! It’s bright, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it at a picnic or as part of a weeknight meal, it’s sure to bring smiles all around. Enjoy every bite and let me know how it turns out when you make it!