5.0 from 54 votes
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Lemon basil pasta salad is a zippy fresh tasting summer side made with my special basil mayonnaise. This easy recipe is destined to become a family favorite.
Prep Time
20 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 319 kcal
Course:
Salad
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb pasta ~ I used small penne
- salt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ~ I used Duke's.
- 1 cup basil leaves, packed (plus a few extra leaves for garnish)
- 1 clove garlic, minced ~ this is optional
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- zest of one lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Asiago cheese, or other aged Italian cheese
- 3 Tbsp toasted pine nuts (add more to taste)
Instructions
- Make the dressing by putting the mayo, basil, lemon juice, and garlic, if using, and a pinch of salt into a small food processor. You can also use an immersion blender.
- Process, scraping down the sides of the machine as needed, until the mayo is pale green and smooth. You'll see little flecks of basil in the dressing. Taste to add more salt or lemon juice. Scrape the mayo into a small airtight container and chill. Note: the mayo will thicken as it chills. You can do this a day or two ahead if you like.
- Cook the pasta in plenty of well salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water.
- Combine the chilled mayo with the pasta, lemon zest, grated cheese, and toasted pine nuts. Add salt and pepper to taste. Note: For this particular salad I like to wait until the pasta has cooled completely before combining with the chilled dressing so the mayo clings to the penne rather than melting into it.
- Chill until ready to serve. I like to add a little more fresh basil right before serving: stack and tightly roll a few leaves, then very thinly slice crosswise into shreds with a sharp knife. The pasta salad will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
319kcal
(16%)
Carbohydrates
29g
(10%)
Protein
7g
(14%)
Fat
19g
(29%)
Saturated Fat
3g
(15%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
10g
Monounsaturated Fat
4g
Trans Fat
1g
Cholesterol
11mg
(4%)
Sodium
188mg
(8%)
Potassium
136mg
(4%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
2g
(4%)
Vitamin A
257IU
(5%)
Vitamin C
2mg
(2%)
Calcium
67mg
(7%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 319
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 319kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 7g | 14% |
| Fat | 19g | 29% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 10g | 59% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 11mg | 4% |
| Sodium | 188mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 136mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 257IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 2mg | 2% |
| Calcium | 67mg | 7% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.