Go Back
+ servings
Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: A Light & Zesty Delight

This Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is a vibrant dish perfect for spring and summer gatherings, featuring fresh ingredients and a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Vinaigrette
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest avoid white pith
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta or any small pasta
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt for pasta water
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts toasted
  • 5 cups baby arugula
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves torn

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • mixing bowl
  • small jar
  • Colander
  • Skillet

Method
 

Directions
  1. In a small jar, combine garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and extra virgin olive oil. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water for about 1 minute to cool off and remove excess starch.
  4. Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4–6 minutes or until golden brown and fragrant.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, baby arugula, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and torn basil leaves. Toss gently.
  6. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper.
  7. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with extra basil, lemon slices, and Parmesan. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 10gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad is best prepared a day in advance without the dressing to maintain freshness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!