Easy Lemon Basil Pasta Salad: Your New Summer Obsession
A light and refreshing pasta salad made with gemelli pasta, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil tossed in a simple homemade lemon-basil vinaigrette. Perfect for spring and summer meals.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 box gemelli pasta (or other short pasta)
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 2 Tbsp fresh basil, thinly sliced (for vinaigrette)
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: lemon zest, extra parmesan cheese, sliced fresh basil
Instructions
1. Place lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic in a food processor. Season with pepper and blend until smooth. Transfer the dressing to a container and stir in the sliced basil.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool completely.
3. Once the pasta has cooled, add it to a large bowl with shredded parmesan cheese and sliced basil.
4. Pour the lemon-basil vinaigrette over the pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Before serving, sprinkle with extra parmesan, fresh basil, and lemon zest if desired.
Notes
Gemelli works great for this recipe, but other short pasta shapes such as penne, farfalle (bowtie), or rotini also work well.
Allow the pasta to cool fully before mixing with the cheese so it does not melt.
For extra flavor, garnish with additional parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and fresh basil just before serving.
This pasta salad is perfect as a side dish for picnics, barbecues, or light summer meals.
Find it online: https://cookingwithramsay.com/easy-lemon-basil-pasta-salad/