![This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is fresh, bright, and easy to make. It takes only 15 minutes to prep. You can serve it as a side dish or a light meal. The mix of flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser. Here’s what you need for this tasty dish: - 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup olive oil - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste For the best flavor, choose high-quality ingredients. Use fresh basil and ripe tomatoes. Buy feta cheese from a deli for better taste. Good olive oil is key for a rich dressing. Fresh lemon juice gives a bright zest. Avoid old pasta; it can ruin the dish. Quality matters when you want a dish that shines! Start by boiling a pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of fusilli or penne pasta. Cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. It’s important not to overcook the pasta. When it’s done, drain it in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to cool it down. This helps stop the cooking process. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the other ingredients. While the pasta cools, chop your vegetables. Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Dice 1 cucumber and 1 red bell pepper. Finely chop 1/2 of a red onion. Tear 1 cup of fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces. Combine all these vegetables in a large mixing bowl. The colors will make your salad vibrant and fresh. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Add 1/4 cup of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk the mixture until it’s well blended. The dressing will bring all the flavors together. Pour it over the cooled pasta and vegetables. Toss everything gently to coat well. Finally, sprinkle 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese on top. Give it one last gentle toss. For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! To boost the taste of your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil brings a bright flavor. You can also add fresh lemon zest for extra zing. If you want it spicy, try a pinch of red pepper flakes. A dash of balsamic vinegar can add depth. Taste as you mix. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your palate. If you need to serve more people, simply double the recipe. Use 16 oz of pasta and scale up the veggies and dressing. For smaller groups, cut the recipe in half. This salad keeps well, so leftovers are great for lunch. You can also make individual servings in small jars for easy grab-and-go meals. For a pretty dish, use a large, colorful bowl. Layer the salad for a stunning look. Place the pasta at the bottom and pile the veggies on top. Add crumbled feta and a sprinkle of lemon zest for color. Garnish with a few whole basil leaves. This makes your salad pop and look inviting. Try this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad for a fresh and tasty meal. For the full experience, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can add protein to your lemon basil pasta salad for extra flavor. Grilled chicken is a great choice. It adds a nice smoky taste. Shrimp also works well and cooks quickly. For a meatier option, try diced ham or salami. If you prefer plant-based proteins, canned chickpeas or cooked lentils are tasty too. Just mix in your chosen protein after you combine the veggies and pasta. To make a vegan version, skip the feta cheese. Instead, use avocado for creaminess. You can also try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy. This adds a nice touch to the salad. For a protein boost, include edamame or more chickpeas. Both options are healthy and filling. Changing your ingredients with the seasons can keep your salad fresh. In summer, add fresh corn or zucchini for extra crunch. In fall, roasted butternut squash or Brussels sprouts are great swaps. You can also use different herbs based on what's in season. Mint or parsley can add a fun twist. Keep the base of pasta and lemon, but tailor the rest for a new taste. For more ideas, check out the full recipe. After enjoying your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, you may have some leftovers. Store them in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Place the container in the fridge. The salad stays good for up to three days. While I recommend eating the salad fresh, you can freeze it if needed. However, the texture may change. To freeze, place the salad in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat your salad again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, you can serve it cold. If you prefer warm pasta, heat it gently on the stove. Add a bit of olive oil or lemon juice to revive the flavors. For more details and a complete guide, check out the Full Recipe. To make this salad gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many stores sell good options now. Check the ingredients to ensure they meet your needs. Simply follow the same cooking steps. Your salad will still taste great with the fresh flavors. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes! Rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti work well. Each shape adds a unique texture. Just remember to cook the pasta until it is al dente. This keeps it firm and tasty in the salad. You can store this salad in the fridge for about three days. Keep it in an airtight container. The flavors will blend and get better over time. However, if you add fresh basil, add it just before serving for the best taste. In this article, we covered how to make a tasty lemon basil pasta salad. We discussed the key ingredients needed for flavor and quality. I shared step-by-step cooking tips, including how to prepare the pasta and veggies. You learned about variations to make it fit your diet and preferences. Don't forget the best storage tips to keep leftovers fresh. Enjoy experimenting with this dish and make it your own!](https://recipespursuit.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/7c00675f-8c19-495b-b460-be147b974bb1-250x250.webp)
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Discover the refreshing flavors of Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, the perfect dish for any occasion! With vibrant cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and creamy feta, this easy recipe is bursting with freshness. In just 15 minutes of prep, you’ll whip up a tasty and colorful salad that everyone will love. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your friends and family with this delightful summer dish!