This lemon-infused pasta salad with fresh herbs is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for any occasion. The zesty lemon combined with the aromatic herbs creates a delightful flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. It's a simple yet elegant recipe that can be served as a main course or a side dish.
While most of the ingredients in this recipe are commonly found in most kitchens, you may need to pick up fresh basil and parsley if you don't already have them on hand. These fresh herbs are essential for adding a burst of flavor to the dish. Additionally, make sure you have a fresh lemon for the zest and juice, as this is a key component of the recipe.

Ingredients For Lemon-Infused Pasta Salad With Fresh Herbs
Pasta: Any short pasta like fusilli or penne works well for this salad.
Lemon: Provides both zest and juice for a fresh, tangy flavor.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to meld the flavors together.
Cherry tomatoes: Adds a sweet and juicy element to the salad.
Basil: Fresh basil adds a fragrant, slightly peppery flavor.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous note.
Parmesan: Grated parmesan adds a salty, umami richness.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the salad.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of the lemon-infused pasta salad, consider toasting the parmesan slightly before adding it to the mix. This will bring out a nuttier, richer flavor that complements the fresh herbs and lemon zest. Simply spread the grated parmesan on a baking sheet and place it under the broiler for a minute or two, watching closely to prevent burning.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
200 g any short pasta like fusilli or penne pasta - Substitute with whole wheat pasta: Whole wheat pasta adds more fiber and nutrients.
200 g any short pasta like fusilli or penne pasta - Substitute with gluten-free pasta: Ideal for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
1 zested and juiced lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor.
1 zested and juiced lemon - Substitute with white wine vinegar: Adds acidity and a slight tanginess.
2 tablespoon olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar healthy fat profile and a mild flavor.
2 tablespoon olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is neutral in flavor and has a high smoke point.
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and texture.
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated tomato flavor and a chewy texture.
¼ cup chopped fresh basil - Substitute with fresh mint: Fresh mint provides a refreshing and aromatic flavor.
¼ cup chopped fresh basil - Substitute with cilantro: Cilantro adds a different but equally fresh and vibrant flavor.
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley - Substitute with fresh dill: Fresh dill offers a unique and slightly tangy flavor.
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley - Substitute with chopped fresh chives: Chives provide a mild onion-like flavor.
¼ cup grated parmesan - Substitute with pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar texture but a slightly saltier and sharper flavor.
¼ cup grated parmesan - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a great vegan alternative.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt has a more complex flavor profile.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder taste and is less visually noticeable in the dish.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Pasta Salad
How To Store / Freeze This Recipe
- To store the lemon-infused pasta salad, transfer it to an airtight container. This will help maintain the freshness of the herbs and the lemon zest.
- Place the container in the refrigerator. The salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors of the lemon juice and fresh herbs will meld beautifully over time.
- If you plan to freeze the salad, it's best to do so without the cherry tomatoes and fresh herbs. These ingredients can become mushy when thawed. Instead, add them fresh when you're ready to serve.
- To freeze, place the cooled pasta and lemon dressing mixture in a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Label the container with the date and contents. This will help you keep track of its freshness.
- When you're ready to enjoy the salad, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, add the cherry tomatoes, basil, parsley, and grated parmesan.
- Give the salad a good toss to combine all the ingredients. You may want to add a little extra olive oil and lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy the vibrant, zesty taste of your lemon-infused pasta salad.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a splash of olive oil to the skillet.
- Toss in the pasta salad and stir occasionally until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
- If the pasta seems dry, add a bit more olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice to refresh the flavors.
Microwave Method:
- Place the pasta salad in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small corner open to vent.
- Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Check the temperature and continue microwaving in 30-second intervals if needed, until warmed through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Transfer the pasta salad to an oven-safe dish.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir halfway through the baking time to ensure even heating.
Steam Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the pasta salad in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Cold Refresh Method:
- If you prefer to enjoy the pasta salad cold, simply refresh it by adding a bit more lemon juice and olive oil.
- Toss in some freshly chopped basil and parsley to revive the flavors.
- Serve immediately.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Large pot: Used to cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
Colander: Essential for draining the cooked pasta.
Large mixing bowl: Needed to combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and other ingredients.
Whisk: Used to mix the lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil together.
Chef's knife: Important for chopping the fresh basil and parsley.
Cutting board: Provides a surface for chopping the herbs.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the cherry tomatoes, basil, parsley, and grated parmesan.
Measuring spoons: Needed to measure the olive oil.
Grater: Used to grate the parmesan cheese.
Serving spoon: Useful for tossing the pasta salad and serving it.
Zester: Required for zesting the lemon.
Juicer: Helps in extracting the juice from the lemon.
Salad tongs: Handy for serving the pasta salad.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Cook pasta in advance: Boil and cool the pasta ahead of time. Store it in the fridge to save time on the day you plan to make the salad.
Use pre-chopped herbs: Buy pre-chopped basil and parsley to cut down on prep time.
Lemon zest and juice: Zest and juice the lemon while the pasta is cooking to streamline the process.
Pre-grated parmesan: Opt for pre-grated parmesan to avoid the extra step of grating it yourself.
Batch prep: Double the recipe and store extra servings for quick meals throughout the week.

Lemon-Infused Pasta Salad With Fresh Herbs
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 200 g Pasta any short pasta like fusilli or penne
- 1 Lemon zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup Fresh Basil chopped
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley chopped
- ¼ cup Grated Parmesan
- to taste Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lemon zest, and olive oil.
- Add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, basil, parsley, and grated Parmesan to the bowl. Toss to combine.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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