![- 8 oz fusilli or rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - 1/3 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup - Salt and pepper to taste In this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, I use fresh and vibrant ingredients. The pasta holds the flavors well. I like using fusilli or rotini because they catch the dressing and veggies nicely. Cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and sweetness. They brighten the salad. Cucumbers bring a cool crunch. Red bell pepper adds sweetness and color too. The red onion gives a nice bite, while Kalamata olives add a salty touch. Fresh basil is the star here. Its aroma and flavor are amazing. I often tear the leaves to release their oils. If you want, you can add crumbled feta cheese for a creamy texture. For the dressing, I mix olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey or maple syrup. This blend makes the salad bright and zesty. I also add salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Remember, you can find the full recipe at the end of the article. This salad is not just tasty; it looks great too. It’s perfect for gatherings or a simple meal at home! Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Use about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 quarts of water. Add the pasta once the water is boiling. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After it cooks, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This helps cool it down quickly, so it won’t cook anymore. While the pasta cooks, chop your vegetables. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. I like to slice the cherry tomatoes in half and dice the cucumber and bell pepper into small pieces. Finely chop the red onion to add a nice bite. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives. This mix brings bright colors and flavors to your salad. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Add honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. A pinch of salt and pepper helps balance the flavors. Whisk until all the ingredients blend well. This dressing should be bright and tangy, perfect for your salad. Now, it’s time to mix everything. Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable bowl. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Gently toss everything together so that the pasta and veggies are evenly coated. This ensures every bite is full of flavor. Lastly, fold in the torn basil leaves and crumbled feta cheese if you choose to include it. Cover the salad with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time allows the flavors to meld together nicely. For covering, you can also use a large bowl with a lid. Chilling the salad enhances its taste and makes it refreshing when served. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Enjoy your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad! To get the best taste, store the pasta until you’re ready to mix. This keeps it from getting soggy. Rinse the pasta in cold water after cooking. This cools it down and stops the cooking. Adjusting seasoning is key. Always taste your salad before serving. If it needs more flavor, add salt, pepper, or lemon juice. A little extra lemon juice can brighten everything up. For a wow factor, garnish your salad with more fresh basil leaves. Thin lemon slices also add a nice touch. Serve the salad in a big, colorful bowl to catch the eye. Individual plates work well, too, for a personal touch. Pre-preparing ingredients can save time. Chop your veggies the day before. This makes cooking day easier. You can also make the dressing ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to mix everything. For quick dressing options, try a simple mix of olive oil and lemon juice. This adds flavor fast and keeps it healthy. You can find the full recipe for Lemon Basil Pasta Salad [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can change the vegetables in your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. Consider using: - Zucchini, diced small - Spinach, chopped - Broccoli florets, blanched These swaps keep the dish fresh and exciting. You can also try different pasta shapes like: - Penne - Farfalle - Whole wheat pasta These changes can enhance the taste and texture of your salad. To make the salad more filling, add some proteins. Great options include: - Grilled chicken, diced - Shrimp, cooked and peeled - Chickpeas, drained and rinsed If you prefer vegetarian options, try: - Black beans - Edamame - Tofu, cubed and sautéed These additions make the dish heartier while keeping it flavorful. You can play with the dressing to fit your taste. For citrus variations, consider: - Lime juice instead of lemon - Orange juice for a sweet twist If you want a creamy dressing, try: - Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice - A creamy vinaigrette made with tahini These alternatives can add new layers of flavor to your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Enjoy your cooking! To keep Lemon Basil Pasta Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent drying out. Place the salad in the fridge right after serving. It will stay good for about 3 to 5 days. Keep an eye on the vegetables. If they start to look mushy, it's time to toss them. Yes, you can freeze this salad, but it's best to leave out the fresh herbs and cheese. These ingredients do not freeze well. If you want to freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container. This way, you can enjoy it later. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the flavors intact. When you reheat the salad, avoid using the microwave. This can make the pasta too mushy. Instead, let it come to room temperature on its own. You can also serve it cold straight from the fridge. If you want it warm, mix it with a little olive oil in a pan over low heat. This will keep the flavors bright and fresh. You can prepare this salad a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. This way, the flavors blend well. When ready to serve, give it a quick toss. If it seems dry, add a bit more olive oil or lemon juice. This pasta salad pairs well with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes great with fresh bread or a side of fruit. You can serve it at picnics or barbecues. It makes a perfect light lunch or dinner. Yes, you can make it your own! Add your favorite veggies or proteins. Try roasted peppers or artichokes for extra flavor. You can even swap the feta for goat cheese. Make it suit your taste! Yes, you can make this salad gluten-free. Use gluten-free pasta like rice or quinoa pasta. These options work well. They will keep the dish delicious and light. The salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in a tight container. The flavors will stay fresh, but the veggies may soften. Enjoy it within this time for the best taste. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. This blog post covers how to make a tasty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. We discussed the best ingredients, how to prepare them, and smart tips for a perfect dish. With simple steps and easy variations, you can customize it to fit your taste. Remember, letting the salad chill enhances its flavor. Enjoy this dish at your next gathering! It’s fresh, easy, and packed with flavor, making it a hit for everyone. Dive in and experiment using your favorite ingredients!](http://dailydishly.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2e0c17ed-3df4-4b24-b113-5392c2bd150f-300x300.webp)
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Discover the refreshing taste of Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, perfect for warm days or casual gatherings! This delightful dish blends fusilli pasta with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and Kalamata olives, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. It's easy to make in just 45 minutes and makes a fantastic side or main course. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your summer meals with this delicious salad!