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Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad: Your Perfect Summer Side

Enjoy this Lemon Basil Parmesan Pasta Salad, a refreshing and vegetarian-friendly dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salads
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 260

Ingredients
  

For the Vinaigrette
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 0.5 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
  • 3 tablespoons Lemon Juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons White Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 0.25 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta
  • 1 tablespoon Fine Sea Salt for seasoning pasta water
  • 0.25 cup Pine Nuts toasted
  • 2 cups Baby Arugula
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese grated
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil roughly chopped

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Medium jar
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • large mixing bowl
  • Salad tongs

Method
 

Prepare the Vinaigrette
  1. In a medium jar, combine 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Pour in ¼ cup of extra virgin olive oil. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds until fully emulsified.
Cook the Pasta
  1. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of fine sea salt and 8 ounces of bowtie pasta. Cook according to package directions, usually around 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Toast the Pine Nuts
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add ¼ cup of pine nuts. Toast them for about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant.
Combine Salad Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, 2 cups of baby arugula, the toasted pine nuts, ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh basil. Gently toss together.
Dress the Salad
  1. Shake the vinaigrette, pour it over the salad mixture, and toss gently ensuring everything is coated.
Serve
  1. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl, garnish with extra basil leaves and grated Parmesan, and serve.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 320mgPotassium: 330mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Adjust the seasoning of the vinaigrette to taste before serving.

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