Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines the zesty flavors of lemon with the aromatic essence of fresh basil. Perfect for summer picnics, light lunches, or as a delightful side at gatherings, this pasta salad is not only easy to prepare but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Featuring colorful vegetables like zucchini and spinach, along with marinated artichokes and a creamy, plant-based yogurt dressing, this salad offers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. It’s an excellent choice for meal prep as it holds up beautifully in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large zucchini
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta
- 2–3 cups spinach
- 1 jar marinated artichoke hearts
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh basil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp pepitas or sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt
Instructions
- Prepare zucchini by salting and drying to remove excess moisture.
- Cook orecchiette pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water.
- Sauté onions in olive oil until softened, then add to the mixing bowl with pasta.
- Caramelize zucchini and lemon halves in the skillet until golden brown.
- Blend dressing ingredients: basil, parsley, lemon zest and juice, garlic, pepitas, yogurt, miso paste, oil, and salt until smooth.
- Combine pasta mixture with half the dressing; adjust seasoning and serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 250g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Find it online: https://kitchenbyskylar.com/lemon-basil-pasta-salad/