Description
A bright and refreshing lemon basil pasta salad inspired by Trader Joe’s, perfect for picnics or easy make-ahead meals.
Ingredients
- 1 pound short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- Optional: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Optional: 1 cup rotisserie chicken
- Optional: 1/2 cup pitted olives
- Optional: 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse, and let cool slightly.
2. Whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss the cooked pasta with the dressing in a large bowl. Add the torn basil and toss again.
4. Optionally, add cherry tomatoes, olives, chicken, or pine nuts.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve cold and enjoy!
Notes
Make sure your olive oil and lemon juice are at room temperature when making the dressing. This helps the ingredients emulsify better.
Let the pasta cool before mixing to prevent wilting the basil. You can refrigerate it briefly to speed this up.
This salad is highly versatile. Add grilled chicken for protein or toasted pine nuts for extra crunch.