Go Back
+ servings
Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad for Zesty Summer Gatherings

A refreshing Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad perfect for summer gatherings, combining vibrant flavors and no mayo.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Cooling Time 5 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Bowtie Pasta Any small pasta shape will work.
For the Greens
  • 2 handfuls Baby Arugula Substitute spinach or mixed greens if desired.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil Thinly sliced; parsley can be used instead.
For the Dressing
  • 1-2 cloves Garlic Grated; roasted garlic for a milder flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Zest Substitute lime if desired.
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Use fresh lemon juice.
  • 2 tablespoons White Balsamic Vinegar Red wine vinegar can replace it.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon Mustard Whole grain mustard can be used.
  • 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Consider avocado oil for an alternative.
For the Toppings
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated; pecorino is a good alternative.
  • 1/3 cup Pine Nuts Toasted for added crunch; can substitute other nuts.
  • Kosher Salt To taste.
  • Black Pepper To taste.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • skillet
  • jar for vinaigrette
  • large bowl
  • baking sheet

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a tightly sealed jar, combine 1-2 grated garlic cloves, kosher salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Add 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar, ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil. Seal the jar and shake until well blended. Set aside.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound of bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve some pasta water if needed.
  3. Rinse the pasta under cold running water to cool it down and prevent mushiness. Spread the pasta on a baking sheet to evaporate excess water.
  4. Toast ⅓ cup of pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, then set aside to cool.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with 2 handfuls of baby arugula, the toasted pine nuts, ⅓ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and ¼ cup of thinly sliced basil. Toss gently.
  6. Shake the vinaigrette jar again and pour over the pasta mixture. Toss to coat evenly, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper if desired.
  7. Arrange the salad on a serving platter, garnishing with extra basil leaves, lemon slices, and a sprinkle of Parmesan and black pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh ingredients and keep the vinaigrette separate until serving if preparing in advance.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!