Description

Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that bursts with flavor, perfect for picnics, barbecues, or casual family dinners. The zesty notes of lemon combined with aromatic basil create a delightful harmony in every bite. This easy-to-make salad features a medley of textures from crunchy pine nuts and tender arugula, all beautifully dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. With its bright colors and delicious taste, this pasta salad is sure to impress your guests and can serve as a side dish or a hearty main course when paired with grilled proteins.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound bowtie pasta
1/3 cup pine nuts
2 handfuls baby arugula
1/4 cup thinly sliced fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated, plus more for serving)
1 to 2 cloves garlic (grated)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon dijon mustard
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
fine salt (for seasoning pasta water)
kosher salt (to taste)
freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

Fill a large pot with water and add fine salt. Bring it to a boil.
Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain the pasta using a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the pine nuts. Stir frequently until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together grated garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, and olive oil until combined.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, toasted pine nuts, baby arugula, parmesan cheese, and basil leaves.
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional kosher salt or black pepper as needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one hour before serving for enhanced flavors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
Calories: 350
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 10mg