![- 8 ounces rotini pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste For this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, you need simple yet fresh ingredients. The rotini pasta serves as a great base. You want it to hold the dressing and veggies well. The cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Cucumbers bring a nice crunch. Red bell peppers give a sweet and juicy bite. Red onion adds a sharp flavor that balances well with the other ingredients. Basil is the star herb here. It adds a bright and fragrant touch. Fresh basil leaves are a must for this dish. They offer a burst of flavor that you can't get from dried herbs. Feta cheese adds creaminess and a salty punch. The olive oil and lemon juice make a light and zesty dressing. Don’t forget the lemon zest! It gives extra zing and aroma. You can find the full recipe for this delightful dish in the recipe section. The blend of flavors and textures in this salad makes it a perfect side dish or light meal. To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which usually takes around 7 to 9 minutes. When it is done, drain the pasta well. Rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This keeps the texture firm and fresh. Next, let's chop the vegetables. Take 1 cup of cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Dice 1 cup of cucumber and 1/2 cup of red bell pepper. Finally, finely chop 1/4 cup of red onion. Once all the vegetables are chopped, mix them in a large bowl. This bright mix will add color and crunch to your salad. Now, combine the cooled rotini pasta with the chopped vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil, 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, the zest of 1 lemon, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour this zesty dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything gently to coat. Add 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil and 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese. Toss again to mix well. Taste your salad and add more salt or pepper if needed. For the best flavor, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows all the flavors to meld together. You can find the full recipe to make this delightful dish in the previous section. Using fresh ingredients makes a big difference in taste. Fresh basil gives a bright, herbal note. Ripe cherry tomatoes add sweetness. Crisp cucumbers and bell peppers bring crunch. Always choose the best quality you can find. Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld. This step helps the dressing soak into the pasta and veggies. The longer it sits, the more vibrant the flavor becomes, creating a delightful experience with each bite. To serve, use a large bowl and garnish with more fresh basil. A sprinkle of feta cheese adds color and extra flavor. For a classy touch, consider individual portions. Small bowls or jars look pretty and make serving easy at gatherings. This dish is quick to prepare. It takes about 15 minutes to prep the ingredients. Cooking the pasta adds another 10 minutes. After tossing everything together, refrigerate for 30 minutes. Overall, you can have this salad ready in about 45 minutes. This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. Perfect for a family meal or a picnic with friends! If you want to make more, just double the ingredients. You’ll love how easy it is to create a fresh, zesty delight. Check the [Full Recipe] for more details on each step! {{image_2}} You can change up the pasta. Instead of rotini, use penne or farfalle. Each shape offers a unique bite. If you're in the mood for something lighter, try whole wheat or chickpea pasta. They add extra fiber and plant protein. You can swap out vegetables too. If you don’t like cherry tomatoes, use diced bell peppers or zucchini. Want more crunch? Add shredded carrots or snap peas. Fresh herbs can mix in as well. Oregano or parsley can give the salad a different taste. For gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great taste and texture. You can still enjoy the same flavors without the gluten. If you're vegan, leave out the feta cheese. You can add avocado for creaminess instead. Nutritional yeast is another tasty option for a cheesy flavor. Check for any allergies too. If you're allergic to nuts, avoid olive oil with nut infusions. These variations let you enjoy Lemon Basil Pasta Salad your way. Check the full recipe to discover how to make it! To keep your Lemon Basil Pasta Salad fresh, use airtight containers. Glass containers work great, but plastic ones do fine too. Make sure to store the salad in the refrigerator right after serving. This helps maintain its bright colors and crisp textures. Always cover the salad well to avoid any strong smells in the fridge. It can last for three to four days when stored properly. When you want to enjoy leftovers, serve them cold for the best taste. If you prefer warm pasta, use a microwave. Heat in short bursts and stir often to prevent uneven heating. After reheating, taste the salad. You may need to add more salt or lemon juice to refresh the flavors. Enjoy your zesty delight any day! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better when chilled. Just prepare the salad and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to mix well. I suggest making it a few hours before serving. If you plan to keep it longer, add the basil just before serving. This keeps it fresh and vibrant. Absolutely! Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is great for meal prep. You can portion it into containers for easy lunches. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. Keep the dressing separate if you want to add it later. This will help the salad stay fresh and crisp. This salad pairs well with many dishes. You can serve it with grilled chicken or fish. It also goes great with crusty bread or a light soup. For a vegetarian option, add some roasted veggies. These choices make for a balanced meal that everyone will enjoy. Leftovers of Lemon Basil Pasta Salad will last about three to four days in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. Check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. If everything looks good, enjoy your tasty leftovers! Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is fresh, tasty, and easy to make. We covered the key ingredients, from pasta to vegetables to herbs. I shared simple steps for cooking and assembling the salad. You learned tips for great flavor and fun presentation ideas. Don't forget about yummy variations and simple storage methods. This dish is perfect for picnics or meal prep. Once you try it, you’ll love how quick it is to whip up. Enjoy your cooking adventure and feel free to customize this salad to make it your own!](https://goodsouppot.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/372abef8-e885-4a2b-9f0e-331393fe7bc4-250x250.webp)
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Looking for a refreshing summer dish? Try this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad that's bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion! Made with colorful vegetables, aromatic basil, and creamy feta, this easy recipe takes just 15 minutes to prep. Whether for a picnic, potluck, or a weeknight dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser.