Description
This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Peas is a fresh and vibrant dish bursting with zesty citrus flavors, aromatic basil, tender pasta, and sweet peas. Tossed in a light citrus dressing and finished with creamy plant-based cheese, it is a perfect cool and satisfying summer meal suitable as a side or main dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 200g short pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup fresh peas
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
Dressing
- Juice of 1 fresh lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 3 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, chunks or crumbles
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta and Peas: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add fresh peas in the last 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking.
- Prepare the Citrus Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), garlic powder (natural), salt, and pepper. Sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and whisk vigorously until the dressing emulsifies and becomes velvety.
- Toss Ingredients Together: Place cooled pasta and peas in a large bowl. Add torn fresh basil leaves and the dressing. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add Plant-Based Cheese: Fold in plant-based cheese chunks or crumbles for a creamy, tangy finish.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use fresh basil and lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta; keep it al dente.
- Chill the salad thoroughly to enhance flavors.
- Toss gently to avoid breaking peas and basil leaves.
- Adjust salt, pepper, and acidity to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: International
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: lemon basil pasta salad, summer salad, plant-based cheese, pea pasta salad, citrus dressing, fresh basil
