Penne Pasta Salad with Lemon Dressing
User Reviews
5
-
Prep Time
20 mins
-
Cook Time
15 mins
-
Total Time
35 mins
-
Servings
8
-
Calories
449 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Salad
-
Cuisine
American
Penne Pasta Salad with Lemon Dressing
Description
The salad uses penne pasta cooked and cooled, mixed with broccolini pieces that were blanched quickly to retain their crunch and vibrant color before being cooled in cold water. Fresh parsley or basil and shredded Parmesan cheese add herbal and savory notes. The dressing is a shake-and-pour mix of lemon zest, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, sugar, and minced garlic, seasoned with salt and pepper to taste.
The final dish balances crisp vegetables, creamy cheese, and tangy lemon flavors for a bright and textured salad. It is served at room temperature, making it suitable for picnics, potlucks, or as a side for grilled or roasted dishes.
For storage, keep the pasta and dressing refrigerated separately or combined for 2-3 days. Re-toss and adjust lemon seasoning before serving to refresh the flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne pasta or mini penne
- 3 bunches broccolini
- ¾ cup Parmesan Cheese shredded
- ¼ cup parsley or basil, chopped, fresh
Lemon Dressing
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice fresh
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Trim ends then cut broccolini into 2.5” lengths.
- Bring a large pot of water to the boil.
- Add broccolini and cook for 1 ½ minutes. Take them out of the hot water using tongs and transfer to a colander. Run under cold tap water to stop them from cooking further.
- Add pasta into the same pot of boiling water. Cook per package directions. Drain then rinse with water. Cool.
- Place dressing ingredients in a jar. Shake well.
- Place pasta in a very large bowl. Add broccolini, parsley, and parmesan cheese (start with ¾ cup, add more if you want). Drizzle with dressing and toss well. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
- Adjust salt and pepper after adding Parmesan to balance seasoning.
- Store pasta salad covered in the fridge for 2-3 days; stir before serving.
- Refreshing lemon zest and juice additions before serving can enhance brightness after storage.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 449 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 449 | 22% |
| Carbohydrates | 49g | 16% |
| Protein | 18g | 36% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Cholesterol | 15mg | 5% |
| Sodium | 388mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 165mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 1454IU | 29% |
| Vitamin C | 64mg | 71% |
| Calcium | 318mg | 32% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
