Description

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Peas is a bright, refreshing, and plant-based dish combining aromatic fresh basil, sweet peas, bite-sized pasta, and a tangy lemon dressing. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, it offers a delightful mix of textures and vibrant flavors that brighten any table, especially on warm days.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta Salad Ingredients

2 cups bite-sized pasta (such as fusilli or farfalle)
1 cup fresh peas (or thawed frozen peas)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
1/4 cup plant-based Parmesan cheese (plant-based), for topping

Dressing Ingredients

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/3 cup olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (natural)
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling your chosen pasta in salted water until just tender but still firm to the bite. This al dente texture is key to keeping the salad fresh and not mushy. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic (natural), and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Add salt and pepper to taste, and if you desire a slightly thicker consistency, whisk in a tiny amount of natural gelling agent.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta, fresh peas, and torn basil leaves together. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
Add Final Touches: Sprinkle the top with plant-based Parmesan cheese (plant-based) for a delicious finishing touch. Allow the salad to rest for at least 10 minutes so the flavors can marry beautifully.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid a mushy texture when chilled.
Use fresh basil and lemon juice for the best flavor.
Chill the salad before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Add dressing gradually to balance flavors without overwhelming the salad.
Use fresh or properly thawed frozen peas for a bright, sweet taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Boiling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 220
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: lemon basil pasta salad, pea pasta salad, plant-based pasta salad, fresh herb salad, light summer meal