Lemon Pasta Salad

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This Lemon Pasta Salad is one of our most delicious side dishes for summer. Great to make in advance, it’s bursting with seasonal flavor to complete any picnic, potluck or barbecue and is easy to prepare.

This zesty Lemon Pasta Salad recipe has so much flavor thanks to the fresh lemon vinaigrette that uses both the zest and the juice. We find it’s the perfect dish for picnics, barbecues, or lunch on a lazy day.

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Plus, it’s great to prep in advance, the flavors only get better. We’ll be the first to say, it’s one of those side dishes that’s gone before you know it (all of our neighbors have asked for the recipe!). With fresh basil, parmesan, and citrus flavor, it’s a salad with a summer twist. If you need more pasta salad ideas, try our viral Macaroni Salad or Healthy Pasta Salad.

I was asked to bring a pasta salad to a BBQ this past week, wanted something different and found yours. This was SO good! Great and easy recipe! -Kathleen

I love how different this pasta salad is from the ones I usually see! It was so good and perfect for summer! -Lynn

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Like This Recipe

Refreshing and Light.This cold pasta salad is perfect for warm weather, offering a burst of fresh flavors. Prefer warm pasta with similar flavors, try this Lemon Chicken Orzo Pasta!
Side dish or Main Course. We’ve served it as both! We normally serve it cold but it’s also delicious warm.
8 Simple Ingredients. There’s no excuse to not make this side dish, it’s easy to shop for and prepare.
Make-Ahead Friendly. This easy pasta salad recipe is better when it’s made in advance, allowing flavors to meld together beautifully.

Serve this pasta salad with a big glass of another summer lemon-must, homemade strawberry lemonade!

Laura Ashley’s Tip: Once the pasta is cooked, immediately drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold running water. Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process and helps cool it down quickly, preventing it from becoming mushy and sticky.

Ingredients

Scroll Down for Ingredient Amounts Listed in the Printable Recipe Card Below

Pasta: Adds substance and a tender texture that pairs well with the other ingredients.
Asparagus: Provides a fresh, crisp element and a vibrant color.
Fresh Basil: Adds fragrance and freshness.
Pine Nuts: Contribute a rich, buttery flavor and a delightful crunch.
Parmesan: Brings a salty, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Adds a bright, tangy flavor to the dressing.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base of the dressing, adding a smooth, rich texture.
White Wine Vinegar: Provides acidity and helps balance the flavors of the dressing.

The ingredients to make lemon pasta salad.

Tools You’ll Need

How to Make Lemon Pasta Salad

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus for 1-1 1/2 minutes or until tender-crisp. Drain in a colander, then transfer to an ice bath. Once completely cooled, drain again, and set aside.

In a small skillet, toast pine nuts on medium-low heat until lightly browned, stirring often. Watch closely as they can burn quickly.

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1/3 cup lemon juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Making dressing in a small bowl for pasta salad.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, asparagus, fresh basil, pine nuts, and shaved Parmesan.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Transfer to a serving bowl. If desired, garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, pine nut, basil, and/or lemon slices.

Pro Tips and Substitutions

Type of Pasta: Use any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, trotolle, cavatappi, fusilli, or campanelle.
Vegetables: Swap asparagus for blanched green beans, snap peas, or broccoli florets for a different flavor and texture.
Swap the Nuts: Substitute pine nuts with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different crunch.
Experiment with the Cheese: Try pecorino romano or feta for a different cheesy flavor.
Be sure to cook the pasta to al dente. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it’s cooked through but still firm to the bite. If you overcook the pasta, it will be mushy.

Variations

You can exchange of add ingredient to create your favorite pasta salad flavor. Some great options are:

red onion
cherry tomatoes
grape tomatoes
marinated artichoke hearts
kalamata olives
sweet bell peppers
baby spinach
sundried tomatoes
green onion.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days. The pasta tends to soak up the dressing the longer it’s stored. If needed, toss with additional olive oil. This is not a freeze and thaw friendly dish.

More Delicious Pasta Salads

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. The flavors will meld together even better after chilling.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make this salad gluten-free.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, salmon, steak, shrimp, or chickpeas make great additions for extra protein.

How can I keep my pasta from drying out?

To prevent pasta salad from drying out, make sure the pasta is properly cooked and slightly undercooked, as it absorbs some of the dressing and softens further in the refrigerator. You can reserve a small amount of dressing to add right before serving to freshen up the salad.

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