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To make a delicious Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, gather these key ingredients: - 8 ounces fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice - 3 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) These ingredients create a fresh and bright flavor that makes this salad shine. You can add fun elements to your salad. Here are a few ideas: - Olives for a briny kick - Avocado for creaminess - Grilled chicken for protein - Nuts for crunch - Spinach for extra greens Feel free to mix and match these options to suit your taste. If you don't have all the ingredients, here are some swaps: - Use any pasta shape, like penne or rotini. - Swap cherry tomatoes for grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes. - Replace cucumber with zucchini for a different crunch. - Use a different oil, like avocado oil, if you don't have olive oil. - If you want a dairy-free salad, skip the feta or use a plant-based cheese. These substitutions can help you create a salad that fits what you have on hand while still being tasty. For the detailed steps to prepare this salad, check out the Full Recipe. First, you need to cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of fusilli pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once it is done, drain the pasta in a colander. Make sure to rinse it with cold water. This helps to cool it down and stop the cooking process. While the pasta cools, it’s time to prepare the vegetables. Grab your fresh ingredients. Halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Dice 1 cucumber and 1 bell pepper. You can use any color bell pepper you like. Finally, finely chop 1/4 of a red onion. These colorful veggies will add flavor and crunch to your pasta salad. Next, let’s make the lemon dressing. In a small bowl, combine the zest of 1 lemon and 1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice. Add in 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Whisk these together until they blend well. The dressing will add a bright, tangy flavor to the salad. Now it’s time to combine everything. In a large mixing bowl, add your cooled pasta. Then, toss in the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion. Don’t forget to add 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves. These herbs will give your salad a fresh taste. Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta and veggies. Gently toss everything together. Make sure all the ingredients are well-coated in the dressing. If you like, sprinkle on 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese. This adds a creaminess that balances the dish. Let the pasta salad chill in the fridge for about 15 to 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mix and become even better. When you’re ready to serve, take it out. You can enjoy it chilled or at room temperature. For a lovely touch, serve it in a colorful bowl with whole basil leaves and lemon wedges on top. For the full recipe, check out the details provided above! To boost the freshness of your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, try adding more herbs. Fresh mint or parsley can add a lovely twist. You can also include diced avocado for creaminess. If you love a crunch, toss in some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds. They add great texture and flavor. A splash of extra lemon juice right before serving brightens up every bite. Cooking pasta well is key. Always use a large pot with plenty of water. This helps the pasta cook evenly. Add salt to the water; it enhances the pasta's flavor. Cook the fusilli until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite. Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking. This stops the cooking process and keeps it from getting mushy. You can easily adjust this salad for different diets. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. If you're vegan, skip the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative. For added protein, grilled chicken or chickpeas work great. Consider adding roasted vegetables for a heartier salad. Seasonal ingredients like asparagus in spring or roasted butternut squash in fall can also add a unique flavor. You can find the Full Recipe for the Lemon Basil Pasta Salad to try these tips and variations. {{image_2}} You can boost this salad with protein. Great choices include grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Simply cook your protein, then chop or shred it. Mix it into the salad for a satisfying meal. If you want a lighter option, try adding canned tuna. It pairs well with the lemon and basil flavors. For a vegetarian twist, keep the feta cheese. It adds a creamy touch. If you want a vegan salad, swap feta for avocado. It gives a rich texture without dairy. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This makes the dish vegan and still delicious. Use fresh, seasonal veggies to enhance flavors. In summer, add zucchini or corn for sweetness. In fall, consider roasted butternut squash. It gives the salad a warm touch. You can also use seasonal herbs, like parsley or mint, for a different taste. Mixing in seasonal ingredients keeps the salad fun and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. After enjoying your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, store any leftovers in a tight container. This keeps the salad fresh for later meals. Make sure the salad is cool before sealing it. This helps prevent moisture build-up and keeps the pasta from getting soggy. To keep your salad fresh, place it in the fridge. It should stay good for 3 to 4 days. If you added feta, it’s best to eat it sooner. Feta can change flavor when stored for long. Divide the salad into smaller portions if you want to eat it gradually. This way, it stays fresh longer. Generally, pasta salad is best served cold. However, if you prefer it warm, reheat it gently. Use a microwave on low power for 30 seconds at a time. Stir between intervals to heat evenly. Just remember, reheating can change the texture and taste. So, enjoy your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad fresh for the best flavor! For the full recipe, check out the details above. You can store Lemon Basil Pasta Salad in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep it in an airtight container. The flavors will blend, making it even tastier. However, the vegetables may lose some crunch over time. Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead. Prepare it fully and chill it in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully. Just remember to add any cheese right before serving. This keeps it fresh and creamy. This pasta salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a fresh loaf of bread. You can also serve it alongside a green salad or grilled vegetables. It’s a great side for summer barbecues or picnics. To make this salad gluten-free, simply swap the fusilli pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many options made from rice, quinoa, or lentils. Follow the same cooking steps, and you'll have a tasty gluten-free dish. For the rest of the ingredients, all are naturally gluten-free. You can find the Full Recipe to see how simple it is! In this blog post, we covered how to create a tasty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. We discussed key ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. I shared ways to store leftovers and answered common questions. Remember, making this salad can be fun and easy. Feel free to try different veggies or proteins based on your taste. Enjoy this dish for your next gathering or as a quick meal. Fresh ingredients and simple steps make it a winner every time.

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad: Fresh and Light

Savor the fresh flavors of summer with this delicious Lemon Basil Pasta Salad recipe! Made with vibrant vegetables, zesty lemon, and fragrant basil, this easy dish is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light meal. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a delightful bowl that’s sure to impress family and friends. Click to discover the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Zest of 1 lemon

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse with cold water to cool it down.

    Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber and bell pepper, and finely chop the red onion.

      Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust seasoning to taste.

        Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and chopped basil.

          Dress the Salad: Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently until everything is well-coated in the dressing. If using, sprinkle the crumbled feta on top and give it a light toss.

            Chill and Serve: Allow the pasta salad to sit for about 15-30 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large, colorful bowl garnished with a few whole basil leaves and lemon wedges for a fresh look.