Go Back
+ servings
Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad That's Perfect for Meal Prep

This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a refreshing dish that combines fresh basil and zesty lemon, perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Zucchini Preparation Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dishes
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Salad
  • 8 ounces pasta gluten-free if needed
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 1 cup fresh parsley
  • 1 cup plain unsweetened plant-based yogurt Forager Project or Silk's Soy yogurt
  • 1 whole fresh lemon for zest and juice
  • 2 tablespoons miso paste or nutritional yeast
  • 1 medium zucchini can be replaced with summer squash
  • 1 small red onion substitute with shallots or yellow onion if preferred
  • 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula
For the Dressing
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/4 cup pepitas or sunflower seeds
  • 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • blender
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Start by slicing your zucchini into half-moons, then sprinkle generously with salt. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes; this will draw out excess moisture. Once it's glistening and slightly soft, pat the zucchini dry with a clean towel.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add your choice of pasta and cook until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, then combine with spinach and marinated artichoke hearts.
  3. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onions with a pinch of salt, sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer onions to the mixing bowl with pasta and veggies.
  4. In the same skillet, increase the heat slightly and add the zucchini slices, cut-side down. Let them caramelize for about 3 minutes until golden brown. Add your halved lemon, cut side down, and cook for an additional 5-6 minutes. Transfer to the pasta salad bowl.
  5. For the dressing, add fresh basil, parsley, lemon zest, garlic, pepitas, plant-based yogurt, miso paste, lemon juice, and olive oil to a blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. Adjust salt as needed.
  6. Drizzle half of the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Reserve the extra dressing for serving on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 10gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 40IUVitamin C: 90mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

Store in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!