Fresh Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad
A bright and tangy pasta salad featuring fresh lemon juice and zest, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick, healthy lunch or potluck dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces rotini or fusilli pasta
- Juice and zest of 2 medium fresh lemons
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the juice and zest of 2 lemons, ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and a pinch of salt and pepper until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece.
- Sprinkle in ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and ¼ cup chopped fresh basil or parsley. Toss gently again to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Fold in optional add-ins like halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, or toasted pine nuts if desired.
- Allow the salad to sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature before serving to let flavors meld. It can also be served chilled.
Notes
Use twisty pasta like rotini or fusilli to hold the dressing better. Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent stickiness. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and tastes more vibrant than pre-grated. Add fresh herbs just before serving if storing salad overnight. For creamier texture, stir in Greek yogurt or cream before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 12
Keywords: lemon pasta salad, Parmesan pasta salad, easy lunch recipes, healthy pasta salad, rotini pasta salad, lemon dressing, summer salad