Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

$- 8 ounces of fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup olive oil - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a bright and tasty dish. Each item plays a unique role. The fusilli pasta is fun and holds the dressing well. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Cucumbers bring crunch, while red bell peppers give a nice pop. Red onion gives a mild bite that pairs well with lemon. Fresh basil is the star here. It gives a fresh aroma and flavor. Feta cheese adds creaminess with a hint of salt. Olive oil and lemon juice create a zesty dressing that brings everything together. Make sure to have salt and pepper ready. They are key for bringing out all the flavors. This mix of ingredients makes the dish fresh and full of flavor. You will love how simple it is to prepare. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions later. Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water. This step helps the pasta taste better. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of fusilli pasta. Cook it for 8 to 10 minutes until it is al dente. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. When ready, drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This method cools the pasta quickly and keeps it from getting mushy. In a large bowl, mix the cooled fusilli with the vegetables. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 diced cucumber, 1/2 diced red bell pepper, and 1/4 thinly sliced red onion. The mix of colors and flavors makes the salad bright and tasty. Next, add 1 cup of chopped fresh basil. This herb brings a fresh and fragrant touch. Finally, crumble in 1/2 cup of feta cheese. The cheese adds a creamy texture and salty taste. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon. This dressing gives the salad a zesty kick. Make sure to mix it well until everything blends smoothly. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Toss the salad gently to coat all the ingredients in the dressing. Make sure every bite is full of flavor. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid. Chill the salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to blend beautifully. For the full recipe, check the details provided. To make your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad sing, think about adding more seasonings. You can try: - Crushed red pepper for heat - Garlic powder for a savory kick - A sprinkle of dried oregano for depth Balancing acidity and saltiness is key. The lemon juice adds zing, while salt brings out flavors. Taste your salad. If it feels too tart, add a pinch of sugar. If it’s bland, sprinkle in more salt. A beautiful dish starts with how you serve it. Use a large, shallow bowl. This lets the colorful ingredients shine. For a vibrant touch, add garnishes like: - Extra lemon slices - Whole basil leaves - A drizzle of olive oil on top These little details make your pasta salad look fresh and appetizing. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can easily change up this lemon basil pasta salad. First, try using different pasta shapes. Fusilli is great, but you can use penne or farfalle. Each shape gives a unique bite. Next, think about the veggies. Instead of tomatoes, you might use diced bell peppers or carrots. You could even add some spinach or arugula for extra greens. Don't be afraid to mix and match! If you're vegan, swap out the feta cheese. Try using vegan feta or a mix of nuts and herbs for creaminess. Vegan cheese gives a nice taste without dairy. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Brown rice or chickpea pasta work well. They have great texture and taste. This way, everyone can enjoy the salad! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To keep your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad fresh, store it in the fridge right away. Use an airtight container for the best results. Glass or plastic containers work well. If you have a lot left, divide it into smaller portions. This way, you can grab just what you need. It also helps keep the salad fresher for longer. Your pasta salad will stay good for about three to five days in the fridge. Check it for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you see mold or it smells off, throw it away. If the pasta feels slimy or the veggies look soggy, those are also bad signs. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. To make your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad more filling, add protein. Here are some great options: - Grilled chicken breast, sliced - Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined - Canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained - Diced hard-boiled eggs - Tofu, cubed and sautéed Mix any of these into your salad for extra nutrition. Protein helps keep you full longer. Yes, you can prepare Lemon Basil Pasta Salad ahead of time. Here are some best practices: - Make the salad up to a day in advance. - Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. - Wait to add fresh basil and feta until right before serving. This keeps the flavors fresh and the ingredients crisp. You can use many types of pasta for this salad. Here are some of my favorites: - Fusilli: Twisted shape holds the dressing well. - Penne: Tubular shape adds a nice bite. - Farfalle: Bowtie shape is fun and unique. - Orzo: Small rice-like pasta cooks quickly. Each type brings a different texture and taste. Choose your favorite! Absolutely! Here are tips for meal prepping Lemon Basil Pasta Salad: - Divide the salad into single servings. - Use small containers to keep portions fresh. - Store dressing separately to avoid sogginess. This way, you can enjoy it all week. Just shake and serve when you're ready! For the full recipe, check out the details above. This blog post covered a simple and tasty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. We went through the key ingredients, cooking methods, and the steps to make it shine. I shared tips to enhance flavor and ideas for presentation. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers safely. This salad is perfect for meals or gatherings. With these easy steps, you can create a refreshing dish everyone will enjoy. Dive in, make it your own, and savor every bite!$

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Revitalize your meal with this zesty lemon basil pasta salad! Perfect for picnics or a refreshing lunch, this easy recipe combines fusilli pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a burst of fresh basil, all tossed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious and colorful dish that’s ready to impress. Click to explore the full recipe and make your taste buds dance!

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients

8 ounces of fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1/4 red onion, thinly sliced

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup olive oil

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Zest of 1 lemon

Salt and pepper to taste

Method

Begin by cooking the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, red bell pepper, and thinly sliced red onion.

Add the chopped fresh basil and crumbled feta cheese to the bowl, stirring gently to combine all ingredients.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until well blended.

Pour the lemon vinaigrette over the pasta salad and toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.

Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary based on your preference.

Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta salad in a large, shallow bowl garnished with additional lemon slices and whole basil leaves for a vibrant, fresh look.