![- 8 oz. fusilli or rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste When making Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, fresh ingredients shine. Start with your pasta. I love using fusilli or rotini because they hold the dressing well. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Diced cucumber brings crunch. Red bell pepper adds color and flavor. Red onion gives a slight bite. Basil is crucial. Use fresh leaves for the best taste. Feta cheese adds creaminess and a touch of salt. The dressing is simple. Olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest make it bright. Add salt and pepper to taste. This salad is not only tasty but also nutritious. Each serving is packed with vitamins from the veggies. You get healthy fats from olive oil and protein from feta. It's perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish. Check out the Full Recipe for more details. You'll love how easy it is to prepare this dish. Start by cooking the pasta. Use the package instructions for best results. Boil water in a large pot and add the pasta. Stir it well to prevent sticking. Cook until tender, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. When done, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse the pasta under cold water. This helps to cool it down quickly. Make sure to shake off any excess water and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, and finely chopped red onion. This mix adds fresh flavor and crunch. Now, add the cooled pasta to the vegetable mix. It's important to mix these ingredients well. This way, each bite will be full of flavor. Next, we prepare the dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing brings the dish to life. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Use a spatula to gently toss everything together. Be careful not to damage the ingredients. Finally, fold in the torn basil leaves and crumbled feta cheese. Mix sparingly to keep the cheese intact. Now, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to blend perfectly. Serve in a large bowl. Garnish with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of feta on top for a beautiful look. Enjoy your refreshing Lemon Basil Pasta Salad! To enhance the taste, adjust the lemon juice. You can add more for extra zing. A hint of garlic powder can also elevate the salad’s flavor. When you mix the dressing, whisk it well. This helps keep a smooth and creamy consistency. A touch of honey can balance the tang from the lemon. For a stunning look, serve the pasta salad in a large bowl. Top it with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of feta. You can also add a few lemon slices for a bright touch. This salad works great for parties. Serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. To save time, prep the salad a few hours in advance. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. This keeps the ingredients fresh and helps the flavors mix well. If you want to keep the pasta from getting soggy, add the dressing right before serving. This keeps everything crisp and tasty. {{image_2}} You can make Lemon Basil Pasta Salad even better by adding protein or more veggies. - Chicken: Grilled chicken adds heartiness. - Shrimp: Cooked shrimp gives a nice seafood twist. - Tofu: A great plant-based protein option. Adding veggies can also enhance the dish. Try these: - Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. - Zucchini: Diced zucchini brings a mild flavor. - Olives: Black or green olives add a salty bite. If you need to change the recipe for dietary needs, it’s easy. - Gluten-free pasta: Use gluten-free fusilli or rotini. They work just as well. - Vegan modifications: Replace feta with tofu or a vegan cheese. You can also skip the cheese completely. Want to change the taste? Here are some fun ideas. - Different herbs: Try parsley or dill for a fresh twist. - Dressings: Use balsamic vinegar or a pesto instead of olive oil and lemon. These variations keep the salad exciting while still being simple and tasty. Want to explore more? Check out the [Full Recipe]. Store any leftover Lemon Basil Pasta Salad in an airtight container. This keeps the salad fresh and tasty. Place it in the fridge right after serving. For best results, eat the leftovers within three days. If you want to enjoy it later, you can repurpose the salad. Mix in some grilled chicken or shrimp for a new twist. Toss the salad with more dressing before serving to brighten up the flavors. This salad will last about three to four days in the fridge. If you notice any changes in color or smell, it’s best to toss it. Check for slimy or mushy vegetables. These are clear signs that the salad has gone bad. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. For the freshest taste, enjoy the salad sooner rather than later. You can easily make this salad gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Some great options include: - Brown rice pasta - Quinoa pasta - Chickpea pasta These choices work well and keep the salad tasty. Just cook them as you would regular pasta. You can use dried basil, but the flavor will change. Fresh basil has a bright taste. If you use dried, use one-third of the amount. So, for 1/2 cup fresh, use about 2 tablespoons dried. Yes, this salad is great for meal prep! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. To keep it crunchy, add the basil and feta just before serving. Freezing this salad is not the best choice. The vegetables and dressing may not hold up well. If you must freeze it, leave out the fresh ingredients. You can add them back after thawing and mixing. This blog post gives you everything you need to make a great Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. We covered the key ingredients, easy steps to follow, and helpful tips. You learned how to adjust the recipe for different diets and flavors. For best results, think about your pasta salad's taste and freshness. Make it your own by adding proteins or veggies. Enjoy making this dish at home for any occasion. Your friends and family will love it!](https://juliesdish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/03f4e40e-eab0-450c-971b-efd40b16a27d-250x250.webp)
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Looking for a refreshing dish? Try this delightful Lemon Basil Pasta Salad that's perfect for any occasion! With ingredients like juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and fresh basil tossed in a zesty lemon dressing, it's a burst of flavor in every bite. It's quick to prepare and perfect for gatherings or a light lunch. Click through to explore the full recipe and get ready to impress your taste buds!