Description
A refreshing and vibrant Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad featuring short pasta tossed with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, shredded Parmesan, and a zesty white balsamic vinaigrette. Perfect as a light summer side dish or a vegetarian main when paired with added protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Salad
- 12 ounces short pasta (such as rotini or farfalle)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup arugula or baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
White Balsamic Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down, then transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Make Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the white balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing emulsifies. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss Salad: Add the cherry tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, sliced red onion, and arugula (if using) to the bowl of pasta. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Chill: For best flavor, chill the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- This salad can be prepared a day ahead; refresh with extra dressing if needed before serving.
- For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- To accommodate dietary preferences, substitute whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boiling, Tossing
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
