Lemon Basil Pasta Salad
Lemon basil pasta salad is a zippy fresh tasting summer side made with my special basil mayonnaise. This easy recipe is destined to become a family favorite.
Servings: 6 servings
Equipment
- small food processor or immersion blender
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb pasta ~ I used small penne
- salt
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ~ I used Duke's.
- 1 cup basil leaves, packed (plus a few extra leaves for garnish)
- 1 clove garlic, minced ~ this is optional
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
- zest of one lemon
- 1/4 cup grated Asiago cheese, or other aged Italian cheese
- 3 Tbsp toasted pine nuts (add more to taste)
Instructions
- Make the dressing by putting the mayo, basil, lemon juice, and garlic, if using, and a pinch of salt into a small food processor. You can also use an immersion blender.
- Process, scraping down the sides of the machine as needed, until the mayo is pale green and smooth. You'll see little flecks of basil in the dressing. Taste to add more salt or lemon juice. Scrape the mayo into a small airtight container and chill. Note: the mayo will thicken as it chills. You can do this a day or two ahead if you like.
- Cook the pasta in plenty of well salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water.
- Combine the chilled mayo with the pasta, lemon zest, grated cheese, and toasted pine nuts. Add salt and pepper to taste. Note: For this particular salad I like to wait until the pasta has cooled completely before combining with the chilled dressing so the mayo clings to the penne rather than melting into it.
- Chill until ready to serve. I like to add a little more fresh basil right before serving: stack and tightly roll a few leaves, then very thinly slice crosswise into shreds with a sharp knife. The pasta salad will keep for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
Calories: 319 kcal · Carbohydrates: 29 g · Protein: 7 g · Fat: 19 g · Saturated Fat: 3 g · Polyunsaturated Fat: 10 g · Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 11 mg · Sodium: 188 mg · Potassium: 136 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 2 g · Vitamin A: 257 IU · Vitamin C: 2 mg · Calcium: 67 mg · Iron: 1 mg
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although The View from Great Island attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
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