Basil Lemon Pasta Salad

Add this light and zesty Lemon Basil Pasta Salad to your summer menu! This pasta salad is refreshing, flavorful and packed with fresh veggies. The reliable side dish to bring to your next cookout or picnic and makes a lighter weeknight dinner!

Ok so A cook have the ultimate summer pasta salad for you! This light and fresh Lemon Basil Pasta Salad recipe was inspired by the favorite Trader Joe's pre-made pasta salad that A cook found myself buying every week. You are going to keep the bright flavors in this pasta salad and we've loaded this up with fresh summer veggies like zucchini, green peas and other fresh ingredients along w

Make this lemon pasta salad all your own by changing up the ingredients and adding in your favorite flavors!

What goes in

• 16 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta
• Salt, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini (about 1 medium zucchini)
• 1 cup fresh or frozen peas, thawed
• 1/3 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup freshly shaved parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons finely minced shallots
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How it comes together

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, sprinkle in some salt, and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
2. Grate the zucchini using a box grater and gently squeeze out the water using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
3. To make the lemon vinaigrette, whisk together all the ingredients until smooth and silky. Hold nearby.
4. Drain and rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process.
5. Use a wide bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, grated zucchini, peas, basil and half of the lemon vinaigrette, stirring well.
6. Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least one hour before serving. When ready to serve, let the pasta salad warm up to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. Toss with the remaining vinaigrette and add the freshly shaved parmesan cheese. Enjoy!