Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad is a bright and creamy dish perfect for warm days or potluck gatherings. With zesty lemon, savory Parmesan, and fresh herbs, it’s a refreshing twist on classic pasta salad that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the rotini pasta according to the package instructions, usually 10 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down, then drain thoroughly.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mix the Italian dressing, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and onion powder until well combined.
- Step 3: Add the cooled pasta to the dressing mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Serve immediately, or for best flavor, chill the salad for a couple of hours. Stir well before serving after chilling.
Tips & Variations
- Add chopped cucumbers or cherry tomatoes for extra freshness and color.
- Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more pungent garlic flavor.
- Substitute fresh basil for parsley to change up the herbaceous note.
- For a creamier version, mix in a few tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Storage
Store the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is best eaten chilled and can be stirred again before serving to redistribute the dressing. Avoid freezing, as the texture will change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle works well. Just cook according to the package directions and cool before mixing.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It holds up well in the fridge and flavors improve after sitting for a few hours, making it an excellent option for make-ahead lunches or dinners.
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Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing and zesty Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad featuring rotini pasta tossed in a tangy Italian dressing enhanced with fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect as a light side dish or picnic favorite, this salad is simple to make and delicious served chilled or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 pound rotini pasta
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil the rotini pasta following the package instructions for 10 to 11 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Ensure the pasta is well-drained to prevent excess water in the salad.
- Prepare Dressing Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the Italian dressing, freshly squeezed lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir well to create a flavorful dressing base.
- Toss Salad: Add the cooled and drained pasta to the dressing mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the dressing and seasonings.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the pasta salad immediately for a fresh taste. For enhanced flavor, refrigerate the salad for a couple of hours, allowing the flavors to meld. Before serving from the fridge, give the salad a good stir to redistribute the dressing and seasonings.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the pasta very well after rinsing to avoid a watery salad.
- Chilling the salad for a few hours improves the flavor as the pasta absorbs the dressing.
- Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note, but you can substitute with basil or cilantro if preferred.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste.
- This salad can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad, Rotini Pasta Salad, Italian Dressing Pasta Salad, Picnic Salad, Easy Pasta Salad
