Go Back
+ servings
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Refreshing Lemon Basil Pasta Salad for Vibrant Summer Days

Enjoy a zesty Vegan Lemon Basil Pasta Salad that’s perfect for summer picnics, blending fresh veggies and flavors into a light and satisfying meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Orecchiette Pasta Substitute with gluten-free pasta if desired.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Essential for flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Parsley Boosts salad's freshness.
  • 1 cup Plain Vegan Yogurt Unsweetened recommended.
  • 1 Fresh Lemon Use freshly squeezed juice.
  • 1 tbsp Miso Paste Substitute with nutritional yeast if preferred.
For the Vegetables
  • 1 cup Zucchini Slice and salt to enhance flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Red Onion Substitute with shallots or yellow onion if desired.
  • 1 cup Artichoke Hearts Use marinated for extra flavor.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach Can substitute with arugula.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • skillet
  • Blender
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Slice the zucchini into thin rounds and sprinkle them with salt. Let sit for 5-10 minutes, then pat dry.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, fresh spinach, and marinated artichoke hearts. Gently toss together.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped red onion for about 5 minutes until softened. Add to the mixing bowl.
  5. In the same skillet, sear zucchini rounds and halved lemons for about 3-4 minutes until golden. Transfer to the mixing bowl.
  6. Blend fresh basil, parsley, lemon zest, minced garlic, pepitas, vegan yogurt, miso paste, olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
  7. Pour half of the dressing over the pasta mixture, gently folding to combine. Adjust seasoning with more dressing as needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 10gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 30IUVitamin C: 60mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. For best results, keep the pasta and dressing separate until serving.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!