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Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Sophia
A refreshing pasta salad with rotini, veggies, and lemon-basil vinaigrette, ready in 25 minutes, perfect for summer lunches.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian-Inspired
Servings 4
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad:

  • 8 oz rotini or farfalle pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • ½ cup cucumber diced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper diced
  • ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh mozzarella balls
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves chopped

For the Lemon-Basil Vinaigrette:

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Extra basil leaves
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

  • Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes; drain and rinse with cold water.
  • Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, zest, mustard, garlic, salt, pepper, and basil in a small bowl.
  • Chop tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, onion; combine with mozzarella and basil in a large bowl.
  • Add pasta to bowl; pour vinaigrette over and toss.
  • Chill for 10-15 minutes; garnish with basil and Parmesan, if using.

Notes

Nutrition (per serving):
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Protein: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 4g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.