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Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Zesty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad That's Easy and Guilt-Free

This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a vibrant and guilt-free meal, perfect for health-conscious eaters looking for a flavorful dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Can substitute with gluten-free pasta like chickpeas or lentils.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Basil Adds a fresh, herby flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Complements basil with its bright notes.
  • 1/2 cup Plant-Based Yogurt Brands like Forager Project and Silk’s Soy yogurt work well.
  • 1 juice of Lemon Delivers essential brightness and acidity.
  • 1 tbsp Miso Paste Enhances umami in the dressing.
For the Salad
  • 1 cup Zucchini Can swap with summer squash, broccoli, or cauliflower.
  • 1 medium Onion (Red/Yellow/Shallot) Select based on preference.
  • 1 cup Artichoke Hearts Can replace with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
  • 2 cups Spinach Arugula can be used as a spicier substitute.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Blender
  • Mixing bowl
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by slicing the zucchini into thin rounds. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let them sit for about 5-10 minutes to draw out excess water. Pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add your favorite pasta and cook it until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water until cool.
  3. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions with a pinch of salt and sauté until soft, about 4-5 minutes, then transfer to the mixing bowl.
  4. In the same skillet, add the prepared zucchini and cook for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Add the lemon, cut side down, and cook for another 5-6 minutes. Transfer to the mixing bowl.
  5. In a blender, combine basil, parsley, lemon zest, garlic, pepitas, plant-based yogurt, miso paste, and the juice from the cooked lemon. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  6. Take half of the dressing and toss it with the pasta mixture until well coated. Add more dressing if desired.
  7. To store leftovers, transfer the salad to an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can be kept for 4-5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 9gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 350mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 6gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This salad is great for meal prep and is best enjoyed cold.

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