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- 8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli recommended) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced - ½ cup red bell pepper, diced - ½ cup black olives, pitted and sliced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon - ⅓ cup exceptional extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder To create a bright and tasty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, gather these ingredients. Start with 8 ounces of pasta. Penne or fusilli works best. They hold the dressing well and add great texture. Next, grab a cup of cherry tomatoes, halved for sweetness. A cup of cucumber, peeled and diced, adds crunch. For extra flavor, use a half cup of diced red bell pepper. Black olives give a salty kick, so add another half cup, sliced. Don't forget the fresh basil! A full cup, roughly chopped, makes the dish shine. Now, let’s talk about the dressing. You will need the zest and juice of one large lemon. This adds a bright, zesty flavor. Combine it with a third cup of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. This oil gives richness. Add a teaspoon of garlic powder for depth. Mix these ingredients in your bowl. This combination makes a fresh, vibrant dressing. Once you have everything, you can follow the Full Recipe to bring this salad to life. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of pasta, penne or fusilli works best. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, as this gives it a nice bite. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This halts the cooking process and helps keep the pasta firm. Set it aside to cool completely. In a big mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, ½ cup of diced red bell pepper, and ½ cup of sliced black olives. Add 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. Stir gently to mix the veggies evenly. Each vegetable adds its own flavor and texture, making the salad vibrant. In a small bowl, whisk together the zest and juice of 1 large lemon, ⅓ cup of extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This zesty dressing binds everything together. The lemon brings brightness, while the olive oil adds richness. Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl of mixed vegetables. Gently fold everything together. Make sure the pasta is well-distributed among the veggies. This step is key, as you want every bite to have a bit of everything. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it sits, the better it tastes. Enjoy the refreshing mix of flavors when you serve it! You can find the full recipe above. To make a great Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, you need fresh ingredients. When picking tomatoes, look for ripe cherry tomatoes. They should be firm and shiny. Smell them; ripe tomatoes have a sweet scent. For basil, choose vibrant green leaves. Avoid any that are brown or wilting. Fresh basil adds a burst of flavor to the salad. For olive oil, opt for high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It should be fruity and smooth. A good oil enhances your dish. Look for oils that are labeled as cold-pressed or first cold-pressed. This indicates better quality and flavor. Cooking pasta al dente is key. This means the pasta should be firm to the bite. Follow the package instructions closely. To check, taste a piece just before the time is up. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and helps the pasta stay firm. Garnishing your salad makes it look appealing. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top for a creamy texture. Serve with lemon wedges on the side. This allows guests to add more zest if they wish. The ideal serving temperature? Enjoy this pasta salad chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. {{image_4}} You can make this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad even better with tasty add-ins. For protein, I suggest grilled chicken or shrimp. Both options add a nice, filling touch. If you want to keep it lighter, try adding beans, like chickpeas or black beans. They pack a protein punch and add texture. For veggies, think about adding roasted red peppers, artichokes, or even spinach. Each choice brings a new flavor layer. You can mix and match to find your favorite combinations. The key is to balance flavors while keeping it fresh. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands now offer good options that taste great. You won’t miss the regular pasta at all! You can also make this salad vegan. For the dressing, skip the cheese and use a vegan option. A simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs works well. This way, you can enjoy the salad without dairy. Want to boost the flavor even more? Try adding different herbs. Besides basil, parsley or cilantro can change the taste nicely. Each herb brings a unique twist to the dish. For a little heat, mix in red pepper flakes. They add a spicy kick that can wake up your taste buds. Just be careful not to add too much. You can always adjust to your preference. With these tweaks, your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad can shine in new ways! To store Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure it is cool before sealing. This helps keep it fresh. You can enjoy leftovers for up to three days. After that, the flavors may fade, and the veggies can get soggy. Yes, you can freeze this salad! However, the pasta may change texture. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave space for expansion. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. After thawing, you might need to add a little olive oil to restore its original taste. To keep the pasta al dente, do not overcook it when boiling. Rinse it under cold water right after cooking. This helps stop the cooking process. Always add dressing just before serving. This keeps the pasta and veggies crisp and tasty, avoiding sogginess. You can store Lemon Basil Pasta Salad in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container. After three days, the salad may lose its fresh taste and texture. Yes, you can make this pasta salad a day in advance. It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight. Just remember to dress it right before serving. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. I recommend using penne or fusilli pasta. These shapes hold the dressing well and mix nicely with the veggies. You can also use farfalle or rotini if you prefer. Just make sure to cook it al dente for the best texture. Yes, you can make this salad gluten-free. Look for gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. These options work well and still taste great. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package. To make this recipe vegan, skip the Parmesan cheese. For dressing, use a vegan option like nutritional yeast instead. You can also add a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor. This keeps the salad light and fresh without losing taste. For the full recipe, check out the details above! This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad combines bright flavors and fresh ingredients. You start with pasta, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. Then mix a simple lemon dressing that ties everything together. Remember to chill the salad to enhance its taste. You can add proteins or switch veggies for your preference. Follow my tips for storage to keep it fresh. This dish is great for sharing or meal prep. Enjoy a delicious and healthy meal anytime!

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Looking for a refreshing dish to brighten your meal? Try this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad! With vibrant vegetables, fresh basil, and a zesty lemon dressing, this salad is perfect for picnics or a light dinner. It's quick to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a must-try for pasta lovers. Discover the simple steps and secrets to making this delicious salad in the full recipe. Click through to explore and elevate your next meal!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced

½ cup red bell pepper, diced

½ cup black olives, pitted and sliced

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

⅓ cup exceptional extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and thoroughly rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.

    Prep the Vegetables: In a generous mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, sliced black olives, and freshly chopped basil. Stir gently to mix the vegetables evenly.

      Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper until well combined. This zesty dressing will elevate the salad.

        Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl of mixed vegetables. Gently fold everything together to achieve a uniform mix, ensuring the pasta is distributed well among the veggies.

          Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad. Carefully toss all ingredients together until every piece is evenly coated in the tangy lemon dressing.

            Taste and Adjust: Sample the salad and tweak the seasoning further with additional salt, pepper, or a squeeze more lemon juice according to your preference.

              Chill and Meld Flavors: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to develop and intensify beautifully.

                Serve: Once ready to serve, enjoy the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. If you like, garnish your serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4-6

                    - Presentation Tips: For a delightful presentation, serve the pasta salad in a vibrant, large bowl, topped with a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves. You may also add lemon wedges on the side to enhance the visual appeal and provide guests with the option to add more zest if they wish!