Imagine a dish that transforms ordinary pasta into a vibrant, zesty masterpiece that's both refreshing and indulgent. This Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad is not just a side dish – it's a culinary adventure that promises to elevate your meal from mundane to magnificent. With a perfect balance of tangy lemon, rich Parmesan, and crisp vegetables, this recipe is about to become your new go-to summer favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the dressing by whisking together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Pour the prepared lemon dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta salad and mix thoroughly to distribute the cheese.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Select a pasta shape that holds dressing well, like rotini, fusilli, or penne. These shapes have nooks and crannies that trap the delicious lemon dressing.
- Cool Pasta Correctly: Rinsing pasta with cold water immediately after cooking prevents overcooking and stops the cooking process, ensuring a perfect al dente texture.
- Dress While Warm: For maximum flavor absorption, toss the pasta with dressing while it's still slightly warm.
- Let It Marinate: Refrigerating the salad for at least 15 minutes allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh lemon juice and high-quality Parmesan for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add grilled chicken, pine nuts, or swap spinach for arugula to make it your own unique creation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
