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For this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, you need simple ingredients. Here is what you'll need: - 8 oz (225g) pasta (fusilli or penne works well) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn Cook the pasta first. Then, chop the veggies while the pasta cooks. This keeps everything fresh and bright. The dressing is key to this salad. You’ll want to use the following: - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed) - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste Mix these ingredients in a bowl. Whisk them together until they blend well. This will bring out the lemony flavor. You can customize your salad with some add-ins. Consider these options: - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) Feta adds a creamy and salty touch. You can also add nuts or seeds for crunch. Feel free to get creative! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of pasta to the pot. Cook until it's al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools it down quickly. Set the pasta aside to cool completely. While the pasta cooks, wash and chop your vegetables. Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Dice 1 cucumber and 1 bell pepper. Lastly, finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion. Place all the vegetables in a large mixing bowl. This will add color and crunch to your salad. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Add salt and pepper to taste. Whisk until the mixture blends well. This dressing will bring a zesty flavor to your salad. Now, add the cooled pasta to the bowl of mixed vegetables. Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly. Next, fold in 1/2 cup of torn fresh basil leaves and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, if you like. Be careful not to break the pasta while mixing. Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time helps the flavors blend perfectly. Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss. Check the seasoning and adjust if needed. You can serve it chilled or at room temperature. For a nice touch, garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Enjoy your fresh and tasty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. To make this dish shine, use fresh ingredients. Fresh basil gives a bright taste. The zest from the lemon adds a punch. You can also squeeze extra lemon juice for more tang. Taste the dressing before you mix it in. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. A touch of garlic powder can also enhance the flavor. You can make this salad ahead of time. Prepare the pasta and chop the veggies a day before. Store each part in separate containers in the fridge. Mix everything together when you are ready to serve. This lets the flavors blend nicely. Just remember to chill it for at least 30 minutes. For a beautiful presentation, use a big bowl. Add extra basil leaves on top for color. A sprinkle of lemon zest adds a nice touch, too. If you want, serve it with lemon wedges on the side. This gives guests the option to add more lemon. For a fun twist, serve it in mason jars for picnics or parties. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide. {{image_2}} You can easily make this salad gluten-free. Just swap out regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty options made from rice or chickpeas. Cook it just like regular pasta. Rinse it well to cool it down. This keeps your salad light and fresh. Want to add some protein? It's simple! You can mix in grilled chicken or shrimp. Both options work great with the lemon and basil flavors. If you're looking for vegetarian choices, try chickpeas or white beans. They add protein and a nice texture. Feel free to play with herbs! If you don’t have basil, try parsley or mint. Each herb gives a unique taste to the salad. You can also mix herbs for a more complex flavor. Just remember to use fresh herbs for the best result. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your cooking! To keep your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps maintain its crispness and flavor. Make sure to place it in the fridge right after serving. It’s best to avoid leaving it at room temperature for too long. If you have leftovers, try to consume them within a few days for the best taste. You don’t really need to reheat this salad. It tastes great cold or at room temperature. If you prefer, you can also serve it with a drizzle of olive oil or a splash of lemon juice for extra flavor. If the salad seems dry, a little more dressing can help. Just toss gently to mix everything well. When stored properly, Lemon Basil Pasta Salad lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. After that, the vegetables may start to lose their crunch. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to throw it out. Enjoy your salad while it's fresh for optimal taste! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section of this article. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes. I like fusilli and penne for this salad. You might try bowties or shells too. Just make sure to cook it al dente. This keeps the pasta firm and tasty. If you don't have feta, try goat cheese or mozzarella. Both add a nice creaminess. You can also skip cheese if you want a lighter dish. This salad stays fresh and delicious without it. Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for a few days. Just remember to add the dressing right before serving for the best taste. You can store the salad for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will blend nicely over time, but the veggies stay crisp. Serve this salad chilled or at room temperature. It pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. You can also use it as a side for picnics or potlucks. For fun, try adding some nuts for crunch! Check the Full Recipe for more ideas. In this blog post, we explored the key ingredients for a tasty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. We detailed each step, from cooking the pasta to making the dressing, combining ingredients, and serving. I shared tips to enhance flavor and options for variations to suit your needs. Remember to store your salad correctly and enjoy it fresh. This dish is simple, fresh, and can fit many diets. Try it out, and I believe you will love it!

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Brighten up your meal with this Zesty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad! A refreshing medley of pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper tossed in a tangy lemon dressing makes for a perfect side dish or light lunch. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, this salad is sure to impress. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your summer dining experience!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225g) pasta (fusilli or penne works well)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 bell pepper (any color), diced

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Instructions
 

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

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

      Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Combine: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the lemon dressing over the pasta and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.

          Add Herbs and Cheese: Fold in the torn basil leaves and crumbled feta cheese (if using) carefully, so as not to break the pasta.

            Chill: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

              Serve: Before serving, give the salad another gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large bowl, garnished with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of lemon zest on top for a fresh look.