Description
Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly captures the essence of spring and summer gatherings. This easy-to-make salad features tender bowtie pasta tossed with peppery arugula, aromatic basil, and rich parmesan cheese, all enveloped in a tangy lemon vinaigrette. Ideal for potlucks, picnics, or as a light main course, it’s not only delicious but also nutritious. Packed with fresh ingredients and healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, this pasta salad is versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy a bowl of bright flavors that enliven any meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound bowtie pasta
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- 2 handfuls baby arugula
- 1/3 cup pine nuts
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (grated)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
- Fine salt (for seasoning pasta water)
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together grated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and olive oil.
- Toast pine nuts in a dry skillet until golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, toasted pine nuts, arugula, parmesan cheese, and basil leaves. Pour the vinaigrette over and toss gently to combine.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 10mg