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Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad That Brightens Any Meal

This vibrant Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a refreshing vegan dish filled with citrus and herbs, perfect for sunny days and gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 8 oz Pasta Choose your favorite shape, or go gluten-free.
  • 1 cup Basil Fresh herbs bring bright flavors.
  • 1 cup Parsley Fresh herbs bring bright flavors.
  • 1 medium Zucchini Adds crunch; swap for summer squash if desired.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Offers sweetness; shallots can substitute.
  • 1 cup Artichoke Hearts Use marinated or sun-dried tomatoes.
  • 2 cups Spinach Boosts color and nutrition; arugula can substitute.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Vegan Yogurt Forager Project or Silk's Soy yogurt are great options.
  • 1 large Lemon Fresh lemon juice adds brightness.
  • 1 tbsp Miso Paste Infuses umami; nutritional yeast is a handy swap.
  • 1/4 cup Pepitas Adds crunch and healthy fats; sunflower seeds can substitute.
  • 1 clove Garlic A hint of raw garlic enhances flavor.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • blender

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Prepare Zucchini: Wash and slice zucchini into thin rounds, sprinkle with salt, let sit for 5-10 minutes, and pat dry.
  2. Cook Pasta: In a large pot, boil salted water, add pasta, and cook according to package instructions for about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté diced red onion with salt for 5-7 minutes until translucent, then transfer to a mixing bowl.
  4. Caramelize Vegetables: Add zucchini and cut lemon halves to the skillet, cook zucchini for 3 minutes, then flip lemons for 5-6 minutes until charred.
  5. Prepare Dressing: In a blender, combine basil, parsley, lemon zest, garlic, pepitas, vegan yogurt, miso paste, and juice from cooked lemons, blend until smooth.
  6. Combine: In the mixing bowl with sautéed onions, add cooked pasta, caramelized zucchini, and artichoke hearts, pour half of the dressing and toss.
  7. Serve: Salad can be enjoyed right away or chilled for an hour. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 10gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 250mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Best enjoyed after chilling for an hour to let flavors meld. Perfect for summer gatherings.

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