Description
A vibrant and refreshing Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Peas featuring zesty lemon, fragrant fresh basil, tender peas, and creamy plant-based cheese. This light yet satisfying salad is perfect for lunch, as a side dish, or a potluck favorite, with a smooth dressing made from olive oil, lemon, garlic, and a natural gelling agent to perfectly coat every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (fusilli or penne recommended)
- 1 cup fresh peas (blanched if frozen)
- 1 cup shredded plant-based cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Dressing Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook and cool the pasta: Boil your chosen pasta until just tender, following package instructions for al dente texture. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and prevent sticking, then set aside to drain completely.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, pepper, and the natural gelling agent. Whisk until well combined and the dressing emulsifies into a smooth consistency.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooled pasta, fresh peas, and shredded plant-based cheese. Pour the dressing over, and gently toss everything together so that each piece is coated beautifully.
- Add fresh basil and adjust flavor: Chop fresh basil leaves roughly and fold them into the salad, stirring gently to release their aroma without bruising. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Chill and serve: Place the salad in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together and makes the salad even more refreshing when served cold.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness and to keep a nice bite.
- Use fresh or quickly blanched peas for sweetness and vibrant color.
- Allow the salad to rest chilled to marry the flavors.
- Lift flavors with lemon zest to add concentrated citrus aroma without extra sourness.
- Add basil last and handle gently to keep its bright green color and fresh taste intact.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lemon basil pasta salad, pea salad, plant-based cheese salad, fresh herb pasta salad, gluten free pasta salad
