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To make a fresh and tasty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, you need some key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll want to gather: - 8 oz (about 225g) whole wheat pasta (like fusilli or penne) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn Whole wheat pasta adds a nice nutty taste. It is also a healthier choice. Fresh vegetables bring crunch and color to the dish. Cherry tomatoes burst with flavor, while cucumbers add a refreshing note. Red bell pepper and red onion give a sweet and sharp taste. You can add more fun to your pasta salad with some optional ingredients. Here are a few to consider: - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - Fresh herbs like parsley or oregano - A sprinkle of black pepper or red pepper flakes Feta cheese gives a creamy texture. You can also use other cheeses, like goat cheese. Fresh herbs add more layers of flavor. Experiment with what you have on hand! To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook it until it is al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Al dente means the pasta still has a slight bite. It’s key for good texture in the salad. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the pasta firm and prevents it from becoming mushy. In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with fresh vegetables. Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced red bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and the torn fresh basil leaves. If you want to add feta cheese, fold it in gently at this stage. Be careful not to break the cheese too much, as you want nice chunks in the salad. Mixing the pasta and veggies creates a bright and colorful dish that looks as good as it tastes. For the dressing, grab a small bowl. Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Whisking helps blend the oil and lemon juice well. This is called emulsification. Taste the dressing and adjust the flavors as needed. If you want more zing, add more lemon juice or zest. Once the dressing is ready, drizzle it over the pasta salad. Toss everything gently until well combined. This allows all the flavors to mix beautifully. Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes before serving. This step helps the flavors meld together, making each bite even better. You can also find the full recipe to guide you through each step. To get the best taste from your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, you must balance acidity and seasoning. The lemon juice adds a bright flavor, but too much can overpower the dish. Start with the juice of one lemon, then taste. If you want more zing, add a little more. Soaking time also matters. After mixing the salad, let it sit for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld. If you can, let it sit longer. The pasta will soak up the dressing, making each bite more delicious. When serving your pasta salad, use a big, colorful bowl. This makes the dish pop and look inviting. For gatherings, consider small serving cups or jars for individual portions. It's fun and easy for guests to grab. Don’t forget to garnish! A few fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges on the side look great. They also hint at the flavors inside. A nice touch like this makes the dish feel special and appealing. {{image_2}} You can easily change up the veggies in this dish. Try seasonal options like roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or even peas. Each adds fresh taste and color. Seasonal swaps keep your salad lively and exciting. For cheese, you can use mozzarella or goat cheese instead of feta. This change brings new flavors and textures. You can also try a vegan cheese for a plant-based option. Each choice lets you customize the dish to your taste. If you need gluten-free options, use rice pasta or quinoa pasta. Both work well and taste great. They give you the same feel without gluten. For a vegan dish, skip the feta cheese. You can add avocado for creaminess. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These swaps make the salad enjoyable for everyone. For the full recipe, be sure to check out the Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. It’s a delightful dish that pleases many! To keep your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad fresh, store it in the fridge right away. Place the salad in an airtight container to keep moisture out. This will help the salad stay tasty for about three days. If you want to enjoy it later, remember to stir it before serving. The flavors will mix again. For the best containers, use glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials do not react with food. They also prevent leaks. Always allow the pasta salad to cool before sealing it. This keeps it fresh and safe. Can you freeze pasta salad? Yes, but it's not the best option. Freezing changes the texture of the vegetables. If you want to freeze it, leave out fresh basil and feta cheese. These ingredients do not freeze well. Reheating tips for the best experience: If you freeze the salad, thaw it in the fridge overnight. When ready to eat, mix in fresh basil and feta. This will brighten the flavors. Enjoy your pasta salad fresh for the best taste! Lemon Basil Pasta Salad can last 3 to 5 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. The salad tastes best within the first couple of days. After that, the veggies may become soggy. Always check for any off smells before eating. Yes, you can make this salad a day ahead. This helps the flavors blend well. Prepare the pasta and mix in the veggies. Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. It will keep the salad fresh and crunchy. When ready to serve, add the dressing and toss. You can add cooked chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas for protein. Grilled chicken adds a nice flavor. Shrimp cooks quickly and pairs well with lemon. Chickpeas are great for a vegetarian option. These proteins make the salad more filling and fun! You learned about the key ingredients for Lemon Basil Pasta Salad and how to make it. Whole wheat pasta and fresh veggies are the heart of this dish. Customizing with feta and herbs adds your special touch. I showed you step-by-step instructions for cooking, mixing, and dressing. Don’t forget the tips for flavor and presentation! You can experiment with variations and adjust ingredients to fit your diet. With the right storage, your salad stays fresh. Enjoy creating this delicious dish that brightens any meal!

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad: Fresh and Light

Elevate your summer meals with this refreshing Lemon Basil Pasta Salad! Bursting with vibrant flavors from cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and fresh basil, this dish is perfect for warm days and gatherings. Simple to prepare in just 30 minutes, it's a healthy and delicious option for any occasion. Discover the full recipe and impress your friends and family—click through to explore how to make this delightful salad!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (about 225g) whole wheat pasta (like fusilli or penne)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cucumber, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1/4 red onion, finely chopped

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh basil leaves. If using feta cheese, fold it in gently.

      In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

        Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently until well combined.

          Allow the salad to sit for at least 15 minutes at room temperature (or refrigerate if making ahead) to let the flavors meld together. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

            Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4-6

              - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a large, colorful bowl. For an elegant touch, garnish with extra basil leaves and lemon wedges on the side.