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To make a Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s my complete list of ingredients: - 8 oz. fusilli pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1/2 red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional) - 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional) Each ingredient brings a unique flavor to the dish. Fusilli pasta serves as the perfect base. It holds onto the dressing and veggies well. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet, juicy burst. Cucumbers bring a nice crunch. Red onion gives a slight bite, while fresh basil adds a fragrant note. The dressing combines olive oil, lemon juice, and zest. This mix creates a bright and tangy flavor. Adjust the salt and pepper to match your taste. If you love cheese, feta adds creaminess. Walnuts give a satisfying crunch. You can leave them out if you prefer. Gather these ingredients for a fresh and flavorful delight. For the full recipe, check out the instructions to bring this dish to life! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Make sure to add a generous amount of salt. This step enhances the pasta's flavor. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz. of fusilli pasta. Cook it for about 8 to 10 minutes until it's al dente. This means it should still have a little bite to it. After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools it down. While the pasta cooks, you can prepare your vegetables. Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Dice 1 cucumber into small pieces. Finely chop 1/2 red onion. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts. Place all the chopped vegetables into a large mixing bowl. This bowl will hold everything together. In a small bowl, whisk together your dressing ingredients. Combine 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Don't forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Seasoning is key. It brings out the flavors in your salad. Once the pasta is cool, it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the chopped vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and mix gently. This helps all the flavors coat the pasta. Next, fold in 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves. If you want, add crumbled feta cheese or chopped walnuts for extra flavor and texture. After everything is mixed, cover the salad with plastic wrap. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to blend well. When you're ready to serve, the salad should be cold or at room temperature. Enjoy this fresh and flavorful delight! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make the lemon basil pasta salad shine, adjust the acidity with lemon juice. Start with three tablespoons, then taste. If you want more zing, add a little more lemon juice. This brightens the dish and lifts the flavors. You can also try some extra seasonings. Fresh cracked pepper adds warmth. A pinch of red pepper flakes brings heat. For a unique twist, add some garlic powder. These small tweaks can transform the flavor profile. When serving, think about how to catch the eye. Use a large serving bowl to show off the bright colors. You can layer the ingredients, creating a beautiful display. Garnish with extra basil leaves for a fresh touch. A sprinkle of feta on top adds a pop of white. Drizzling a little olive oil before serving gives it a nice sheen. These simple steps make your salad look as good as it tastes. To save time, prepare your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the vegetables a day before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, you can mix everything quickly when you're ready to eat. Another great tip is to use store-bought pasta options. You can find cooked pasta in many shops. It cuts down your cooking time. Just rinse and mix it with your salad ingredients. For the full recipe, check out the Lemon Basil Pasta Salad section above. {{image_2}} You can add seasonal veggies to your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad for extra flavor. Try using bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. These veggies are colorful and full of nutrients. If you want to change things up based on your diet, swap the cucumber for roasted veggies. You can also use spinach instead of fresh basil for a different twist. Adding protein makes the salad more filling. Grilled chicken or shrimp are great choices. They add a nice texture and flavor. If you prefer vegetarian options, try chickpeas or black beans. These give the salad heartiness without meat. Tofu is another good option if you want something plant-based. Experiment with different oils or vinegars for your dressing. A splash of balsamic vinegar can give a sweet note. You can also try using avocado oil for a rich flavor. Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley can boost the taste even more. They bring freshness and can make your salad unique. For the full recipe, check the link above! To keep your lemon basil pasta salad fresh, store it in the fridge. Use an airtight container to prevent air from drying it out. Make sure to cover it well. This helps keep the flavors locked in. It's best to eat it within three days for the freshest taste. If you notice any extra liquid, just give it a gentle stir before serving. Can you freeze pasta salad? Yes, but it changes the texture. The pasta may become mushy once thawed. If you still want to freeze it, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave space at the top as it will expand. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Serve it cold for the best taste. How long does the salad stay fresh? In the fridge, it lasts about three days. If you see any signs of spoilage, it’s best to toss it. Signs to watch for include a sour smell or any mold. Always trust your senses. If it doesn’t look or smell right, don’t eat it. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. Meal prep saves time and effort. Prepare the salad up to a day in advance. Just cover it and chill it in the fridge. This lets the flavors mix well. If you want a gluten-free option, use rice noodles or quinoa. Zoodles, made from zucchini, are also a fun choice. These options keep the salad light and fresh. Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. To keep it fresh, store the dressing separately. Mix it in just before serving. This helps prevent sogginess and keeps flavors bright. To make this salad vegan, skip the feta cheese. Use a dairy-free cheese or leave it out completely. For the dressing, swap the honey with maple syrup. This keeps the salad tasty and plant-based. For the Full Recipe, click [here](#). This pasta salad brings fresh tastes and easy steps together. We covered the ingredients, cooking tips, and fun variations. You learned how to mix flavors, chill the salad, and store leftovers. Try adding different veggies or proteins for a unique twist. With these steps, you can create a delicious, vibrant dish every time. Enjoy impressing your friends and family with your tasty creation!

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Discover the refreshing taste of Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with this easy recipe! Perfect for summer gatherings or meal prep, this dish combines fusilli pasta, vibrant veggies, and a zesty lemon dressing for a burst of flavor. Plus, you can customize it with feta and walnuts for extra depth. Perfect as a side or a light main course! Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delicious salad.
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Ingredients
  

8 oz. fusilli pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1/2 red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

1/4 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and chop the red onion. Place them in a large mixing bowl.

      Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper until well combined.

        Combine Ingredients: Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the pasta and gently toss everything together.

          Add Basil and Optional Toppings: Fold in the torn basil leaves, and if using, add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped walnuts for added texture and flavor. Toss gently to combine.

            Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

              Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in a large serving bowl, garnished with extra basil leaves and a sprinkle of feta on top. Drizzle a bit of olive oil before serving for an added touch.