Go Back
As the sun shines brightly and the temperatures rise, our culinary cravings often shift towards lighter, more refreshing dishes that embody the spirit of summer. Enter the Zesty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad: a vibrant, flavorful dish that's perfect for summer gatherings, picnics in the park, or even as a quick weeknight meal. This pasta salad not only dazzles the eyes with its colorful ingredients but also tantalizes the taste buds with a zesty dressing that brings everything together in a symphony of flavors.

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad - Plant Based RD

Brighten up your mealtime with this Zesty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad! Packed with whole wheat pasta, fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes and cucumber, and drizzled with a tangy lemon dressing, this dish is perfect for summer picnics or a quick weeknight dinner. Ready in just 45 minutes, it's refreshing, nutritious, and can be enjoyed chill. Optional nutritional yeast adds a delightful cheesy flavor! Dive into this flavorful salad that’s sure to impress!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz whole wheat pasta (fusilli or penne)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 tsp lemon zest

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, and red onion.

      Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined. If you want a cheesy flavor, you can mix in nutritional yeast at this stage.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the vegetables, and pour the dressing over the pasta and veggies. Toss everything together gently to combine, ensuring that the pasta is well-coated with the dressing.

          Add Fresh Basil: Finally, fold in the fresh basil leaves, mixing just enough to evenly distribute them throughout the salad.

            Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold and enjoy!

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4