Description
Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is a delightful burst of fresh flavors, perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a vibrant side dish. This colorful salad features tender pasta tossed with peppery arugula, aromatic basil, and nutty pine nuts, all brought together by a zesty lemon vinaigrette. It’s light yet satisfying, making it an ideal choice for picnics, barbecues, or quick lunches. Easy to prepare in under an hour, this pasta salad is not only delicious but also packed with healthy ingredients that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound bowtie pasta (or other small pasta of choice)
- 1 to 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- 2 handfuls baby arugula (to taste)
- 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)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts until golden brown. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together grated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and olive oil until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, toasted pine nuts, baby arugula, parmesan cheese, and basil leaves. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad mixture.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until well coated with dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt or pepper if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature with extra parmesan cheese on top if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 15mg