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Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad: A Fresh, Vibrant Summer Delight

This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish, perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Vegan
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Pasta any shape, gluten-free chickpea pasta optional
For the Freshness
  • 1 cup Basil fresh leaves for best flavor
  • 1/2 cup Parsley mix in any herbs
For Creaminess
  • 1 cup Vegan Yogurt plain unsweetened works best
For the Zesty Flavor
  • 1 large Lemon freshly squeezed juice
  • 1 tbsp Miso Paste substitute with nutritional yeast if needed
For Texture and Nutrition
  • 1 medium Zucchini can swap with summer squash or roasted broccoli
  • 1 medium Onion use shallots or yellow onion as substitutes
  • 1 cup Artichoke Hearts omit if preferred
  • 2 cups Spinach or any leafy green like arugula

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large pot
  • Blender
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by salting the zucchini to draw out excess moisture; slice it into thin rounds and sprinkle with salt. Let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until beads of water form, then pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8–10 minutes. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water, then transfer to a large mixing bowl along with spinach and artichokes.
  3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion with a pinch of salt, and sauté for about 4–5 minutes until translucent. Transfer onions to the mixing bowl.
  4. In the same skillet, add more oil if needed, and place zucchini rounds cut-side down. Cook for around 3 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook another 3 minutes. Add zucchini to the mixing bowl.
  5. In a blender, combine fresh basil, parsley, vegan yogurt, miso paste, lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding water if needed for desired consistency. Adjust seasoning as necessary.
  6. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are coated. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 200mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 80mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This salad can be customized with seasonal veggies and is ideal for meal prep, staying fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

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