Go Back
+ servings
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad: Fresh, Zesty & Totally Addictive

This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a fresh, zesty, and totally addictive dish perfect for sunny days and meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 5 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegan
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Pasta Choose your favorite shape, gluten-free works too.
  • 1 cup Basil Fresh, can substitute with cilantro or dill.
  • 1 cup Parsley Fresh, can substitute with cilantro or dill.
  • 1 cup Plain Unsweetened Plant-Based Yogurt Brands like Forager Project recommended.
  • 1 juiced Lemon
  • 1 tbsp Miso Paste Nutritional yeast can be swapped in.
  • 1 medium Zucchini Can substitute with summer squash or roasted broccoli.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Can substitute with shallots or yellow onion.
  • 1 cup Artichoke Hearts Marinated for best flavor, can substitute with sun-dried tomatoes.
  • 2 cups Spinach Arugula can add a peppery twist.
For the Dressing
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh preferred, can use garlic powder.
  • 1/4 cup Pepitas Sunflower seeds are a good alternative.
  • 3 tbsp Olive Oil Can replace with avocado oil.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste, especially if using salted yogurt.

Equipment

  • blender
  • Skillet
  • Large Pot
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
  1. Begin by salting the diced zucchini and letting it rest for 5-10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water, and combine with spinach and artichoke hearts in a bowl.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced red onion until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add to the mixing bowl.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté pat-dried zucchini and halved lemons until golden and tender, about 3-6 minutes. Add to the mixing bowl.
  5. In a blender, blend basil, parsley, lemon zest, minced garlic, pepitas, plant-based yogurt, miso paste, olive oil, and cooked lemon juice until creamy, about 30 seconds.
  6. Pour half the dressing over the pasta mixture, toss gently to combine, and adjust seasoning with salt or extra dressing as desired. Serve immediately or keep extra dressing on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Enjoy the process of making this salad as much as the vibrant flavors it brings to your table.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!