Introduction
Get ready to meet your new favorite pasta salad! This Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is a burst of sunshine in every bite. It’s bright, fresh, and perfectly balanced with zesty lemon, aromatic basil, and savory Parmesan cheese. It’s truly a special dish that everyone loves.
The best part? This recipe is incredibly easy and quick to make. While your pasta boils, you can whip up the simple dressing and prepare all the other ingredients. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Whether you need a refreshing side dish or a light main course, this salad is a winner. Its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture will have you coming back for more. We invite you to try this delightful recipe today!
Cooking Time & Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Small tip: To save time, chop your basil, mince your garlic, and grate your Parmesan cheese while the pasta water heats up.
Ingredients
Servings: 6
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces (about 340g) short pasta (like rotini, fusilli, or penne)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt for pasta water
For the Lemon Basil Dressing
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Salad Add-ins
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Small tip: Cook the pasta until it has a slight bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy in a cold salad.
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Step 2: Rinse and Cool the Pasta
Once cooked, drain the pasta immediately in a colander. Rinse it thoroughly under cold water for about 30 seconds to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely.
Small tip: Rinsing pasta for cold salads prevents it from clumping together and removes excess starch, ensuring a light texture.
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Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
While the pasta cools, whisk together the fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, finely chopped basil, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and slightly emulsified.
Small tip: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest and most vibrant flavor in your dressing.
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Step 4: Chop the Vegetables
Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely dice the red onion. If you haven’t already, ensure your fresh basil is finely chopped and your Parmesan cheese is grated.
Small tip: Cutting vegetables into similar sizes ensures a balanced texture and flavor in every forkful of salad.
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Step 5: Combine Salad Ingredients
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