Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

The following recipe was made for my Picnic Wine event. You can read more about it and get additional recipes HERE.


1 pound farfalle pasta
4 plum tomatoes, cut into 1 inch dice
8 basil leaves, cut into chiffonade
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
3 teaspoons salt
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Fill a large pot 3/4 of the way with water and place over high heat. Add plenty of salt and bring to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool down.

Put the pasta in a large serving bowl and add the tomatoes, basil, lemon juice, olive oil and salt. Toss well and garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Delicious Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Perfect for Summer

Pasta salads, especially when made with fresh summer ingredients, make the perfect side dish to any summer BBQ. They are especially great potluck dishes because not only are they full of flavor and vitamins, they are incredibly easy to make and transport. One of my favorite summer pasta salads to make is the Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. It’s a hearty dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite grilled meats and combines fresh basil, zingy lemon juice, and the crunch of almonds for a perfect summer dish.

Fresh Ingredients Packs a Flavorful Punch

When making the Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, nature’s bounty is the star of the dish. You’ll need things like bow-tie pasta, Roma tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, almonds, and garlic. Of course, basil and lemon juice are the star ingredients of the dish. Fresh basil, with its mild peppery flavor, pairs well with the zesty lemon juice for an invigorating combination. The garlic and Parmesan cheese add some savoriness to the dish, and the almonds add a nice crunch to the pasta.

Although none of the ingredients are too exotic or hard to find, the combination of them makes for a unique tasty dish. You can, of course, use different types of pasta, like rotini, penne, or even macaroni, depending on your tastes.

Prepare Ingredients with Precision

One of the keys to making the Lemon Basil Pasta Salad great is to prepare the main ingredients correctly. Since this is a pasta-based dish, the star of the show needs to be cooked to perfection. For the best results, avoid under- or over-cooking the pasta. The ideal texture would be al dente, or slightly firm. Once the pasta is cooked, rinse it with cold water to stop it from cooking.

The other ingredients also need to be prepared with precision. Chop the tomatoes into small bits, and mince the garlic. Toast the almonds to give them a golden, creamy texture. Finally, mince the fresh basil and add it to the mix.

Once all the ingredients are prepared, mix up a dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper (to taste). Make sure to get some of the basil in the mixture for some extra oomph. Voilà! You now have all the ingredients and dressing to make the Lemon Basil Pasta Salad.

Quick & Easy Assembly

The assembly of the Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is quite easy. Start by seasoning the pasta with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Then, mix in the tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, almonds, and the minced basil. Once everything is nicely incorporated, add the lemon juice-olive oil-basil dressing to the pasta mixture. Gently fold the ingredients in so that the dressing gets evenly distributed throughout the dish.

Now it is time to enjoy! The Lemon Basil Pasta Salad doesn’t need to be chilled before serving and can be enjoyed at room temperature. You can also spice things up a bit by adding some feta cheese, olives, and diced red onion. The options are endless when it comes to making this incredibly tasty pasta dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other types of pasta for the Lemon Basil Pasta Salad?
A: Yes, you can use whichever type of pasta you prefer. Some of the best types for this dish are rotini, penne, or even macaroni.

Q: Can I make the Lemon Basil Pasta Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and just chill it in the fridge. Just avoid dressing the dish until you’re ready to serve it.

Q: Do I have to toast the almonds?
A: No, you don’t have to toast the almonds. Some people prefer to enjoy the crunch of the raw almonds, but toasting them gives them a more golden, creamy texture. It’s really up to you which route you want to take.

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