Description
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad, a vibrant dish perfect for summer picnics, light dinners, or meal prep. Packed with wholesome ingredients like zucchini and spinach, this salad brings a delightful combination of bright lemony zest and aromatic basil. With its creamy dressing made from plant-based yogurt and fresh herbs, it’s an easy-to-make dish that will impress family and friends alike. Whether served as a main dish or alongside grilled proteins, this pasta salad is customizable to suit your taste. Enjoy the burst of freshness in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large zucchini
- 8 oz orecchiette pasta
- 2–3 cups spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 jar (6.5 oz) marinated artichoke hearts, diced
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 medium red onion, diced
- 1 medium lemon, fully zested and cut in half
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, stems removed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, stems removed
- 1–2 cloves of garlic, grated (to taste)
- 3 tbsp pepitas or sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt
- 1 tsp yellow miso paste
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the zucchini by salting it lightly and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess water.
- Cook the orecchiette pasta in boiling salted water until al dente; drain and rinse with cold water before adding to a mixing bowl with spinach and artichoke hearts.
- Sauté diced onions in olive oil until softened, then add to the mixing bowl.
- In the same skillet, caramelize the zucchini and lemon halves before adding them to the pasta mixture.
- Blend dressing ingredients: basil, parsley, lemon zest and juice, garlic, pepitas, yogurt, miso paste, remaining oil, and salt until smooth.
- Combine the salad with half the dressing; mix well and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing/Boiling/Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg