Description
Bright, fresh, and satisfying Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Peas combines tender pasta, sweet peas, and fragrant basil with a zesty lemon dressing. This vibrant salad is perfect for a light meal, lunch, or entertaining, offering a delightful texture and refreshing flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups medium-sized pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup crumbled plant-based feta cheese (plant-based)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water to cool, and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare the peas: While pasta cooks, blanch fresh peas in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Transfer to an ice bath immediately to stop cooking and maintain color.
- Make the lemon basil dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil (natural), salt, and pepper until well combined and tangy.
- Combine and toss: Add peas and torn basil leaves to the pasta. Pour dressing over the ingredients and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Add the finishing touches: Fold in crumbled plant-based feta cheese and adjust seasoning with extra salt or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing cold salad.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness by following package timing and tasting as it cooks.
- Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sogginess.
- Use fresh basil leaves for the best bright flavor that dried herbs cannot replicate.
- Taste and adjust lemon, salt, and pepper gradually for balanced flavor.
- Let the salad rest 10-15 minutes before serving to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lemon basil pasta salad, peas pasta salad, plant-based feta pasta, fresh basil salad, summer pasta salad
