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Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: A Bright, Fresh Delight

Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad is a light, refreshing dish perfect for summer gatherings or busy weeknights.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Vinaigrette
  • 1 clove Garlic minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest use microplane for fine zesting
  • 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon White Balsamic Vinegar can swap with regular balsamic
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard optional
  • 0.25 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil or avocado oil
For the Salad
  • 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta or any small pasta shape
  • 1 tablespoon Fine Sea Salt for pasta water
  • 0.25 cup Pine Nuts or walnuts/almonds
  • 4 cups Baby Arugula or spinach/mixed greens
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Basil sliced, additional for garnish

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • jar with lid
  • Colander
  • Salad Tongs

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a small jar, combine garlic, kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, lemon juice, white balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Shake until well combined.
  2. Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot, adding sea salt. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. Toast pine nuts in a skillet over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Let cool.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, arugula, toasted pine nuts, grated parmesan, and sliced basil. Toss gently.
  5. Re-shake the vinaigrette and pour over the salad. Toss until ingredients are well coated.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper as needed. Garnish and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 10gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For optimal flavor, let salad chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

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