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Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad That Brightens Your Summer Days

A vibrant Lemon Basil Pasta Salad that's a guilt-free delight, combining wholesome veggies with a creamy, dairy-free yogurt dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces Pasta or gluten-free pasta
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil
  • ½ cup Fresh Parsley
  • 1 cup Plain Unsweetened Plant-Based Yogurt brands like Forager Project or Silk's Soy yogurt work best
  • 1 whole Fresh Lemon for zest and juice
  • 1 tablespoon Miso Paste or nutritional yeast as substitute
  • 1 cup Zucchini sliced
  • ½ cup Red Onion chopped
  • 1 cup Artichoke Hearts marinated preferred
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach or arugula as alternative
For Serving
  • ¼ cup Pepitas or nut mix

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Blender
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
  1. Sprinkle the sliced zucchini with salt and let it sit for 5–10 minutes. Pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped red onion until softened, about 3–5 minutes. Transfer to the mixing bowl.
  4. In the same skillet, caramelize zucchini until golden, about 4–6 minutes. Add lemon halves cut-side down for 2 minutes. Add both to the mixing bowl.
  5. In a blender, combine basil, parsley, lemon zest, garlic, pepitas, and yogurt. Add miso paste and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
  6. Pour half of the dressing over the mixture, tossing gently to combine. Taste and add more dressing if desired.
  7. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Cut vegetables evenly for consistent cooking. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Rinse pasta properly to prevent sogginess.

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