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Fresh Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad

fresh lemon parmesan pasta salad - featured image
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A bright, light, and tangy pasta salad combining fresh lemon juice and zest with savory Parmesan cheese, perfect for quick lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) rotini or fusilli pasta
  • 2 large fresh lemons (juice and zest)
  • 1 cup (about 100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup (60 ml) of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, zest 2 large lemons avoiding the bitter white pith. Juice the lemons to get about 1/4 cup (60 ml) of fresh lemon juice.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, and minced garlic. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  4. While the pasta is still warm, add it to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly. If dry, stir in reserved pasta water to help dressing cling to noodles.
  5. Mix in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil if using. Fold in cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts if desired.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
  7. Serve immediately while slightly warm or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Toss pasta while still warm to help dressing absorb better. Reserve pasta water to adjust dressing consistency. Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. Toast pine nuts gently to enhance nuttiness. Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. For vegan option, omit Parmesan or substitute with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon pasta salad, parmesan pasta salad, easy pasta salad, summer salad, quick lunch, vegetarian pasta salad

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/fresh-lemon-parmesan-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-homemade-lunch-or-dinner/