![- 8 oz pasta (your choice: fusilli, penne, or bowtie) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - 1/4 cup olives (black or green), pitted and sliced For the main ingredients, I love to use pasta like fusilli, penne, or bowtie. Each shape holds the dressing well. Fresh vegetables make this dish bright and colorful. I always add cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Chopped cucumber gives a nice crunch. Finely chopped red onion adds a bit of zest. You can also toss in feta cheese or olives for more flavor. - 1/3 cup olive oil - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste The dressing is what brings this salad to life. I mix olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest for a bright taste. The salt and pepper enhance the flavors. This dressing is simple but very flavorful. If you want to try something new, you can add feta or olives to your salad. Follow the [Full Recipe] to create this wonderful dish! First, I boil a large pot of salted water. It should be bubbling and ready. Add your choice of pasta—fusilli, penne, or bowtie. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps stop the cooking process and cools it down. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Mix it well until it combines into a smooth dressing. This dressing adds a bright, fresh flavor to the salad. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and sliced olives. Toss in the chopped basil leaves too. Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta salad. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated. If you like, you can add crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess. Just fold it in carefully. For the full recipe, refer back to the section above. Enjoy your fresh and simple lemon basil pasta salad! Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors blend well. You can really taste the difference. Using fresh lemon juice adds brightness to the dish. It elevates the taste and makes it more refreshing. You can serve the salad in a large bowl or in individual cups. This makes it fun and easy for guests. For a lovely touch, garnish with fresh basil and lemon wedges. It adds color and makes the dish look fancy. {{image_2}} You can change the pasta type to suit your taste. For a healthier option, try whole wheat pasta. It adds a nice nutty flavor and extra fiber. If you want to skip the feta cheese, you have choices! Use goat cheese for a creamy touch or leave it out for a vegan dish. The salad will still taste great without the cheese. Want to make your salad heartier? Add grilled chicken or shrimp. They bring protein and flavor to your meal. Just slice the chicken or shrimp into bite-sized pieces before mixing them in. For a crunchy twist, toss in some nuts. Pine nuts and walnuts work well. They add a delightful crunch and a nutty taste that contrasts with the fresh veggies. These variations let you get creative. You can make this salad fit your style or dietary needs. Enjoy making it your own! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To keep your leftover Lemon Basil Pasta Salad fresh, store it in the fridge. First, let it cool to room temperature. This helps avoid condensation in the container. Use an airtight container to keep the salad crisp. Glass containers are great, but plastic ones work too. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with the lemon juice. In the fridge, your pasta salad can last about three to five days. Check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, toss it. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I often prepare it the night before. This gives the flavors more time to mix. Here are some tips: - Cook the pasta and let it cool completely. - Mix in the vegetables and dressing. - Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. - Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving. This way, you save time when you are ready to eat. This salad pairs well with many dishes. I love serving it with grilled chicken or fish. Here are some great options: - Grilled shrimp for a seafood touch. - A side of garlic bread for some crunch. - A fresh green salad to add more veggies. These sides make a complete meal that everyone will enjoy. Yes, you can make this salad gluten-free. Just swap regular pasta for gluten-free options. Here are some good choices: - Brown rice pasta for a nice texture. - Quinoa pasta for added protein. - Chickpea pasta for a unique flavor. These substitutes keep the taste great while making it gluten-free. For the full recipe, check the section above! In this blog post, we explored how to make a fresh and tasty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. You learned about the key ingredients, from pasta to fresh veggies. The step-by-step guide showed how to cook, dress, and mix everything together. We also shared tips for flavor and storage, plus fun variations to try. Remember, this salad is easy to customize to fit your taste. Enjoy a bright and delicious meal any time! Make it your own and savor every bite.](https://emmasdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fad3ebdd-e5a2-4dc0-b25d-5e342ec7c054-250x250.webp)
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Elevate your summer gatherings with this refreshing Lemon Basil Pasta Salad! With pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a zesty lemon dressing, this dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and customize with your favorite ingredients, it's a must-try recipe for quick weeknight dinners or picnics. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and bring a taste of summer to your table!