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Meyer Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Meyer Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

The ultimate summer dish! Meyer Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is light, refreshing, and full of vibrant flavors. With the perfect balance of creamy and zesty, this easy weeknight dinner will become your go-to recipe for gatherings and quick meals.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Salads, Side Dishes
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces tricolor fusilli pasta (for gluten free, substitute your favorite certified GF pasta)
  • 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup ripe green or black olives drained and sliced into rounds
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons agave nectar or honey
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • Salt
  • freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Blender
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package directions till tender. Drain. Run cool water over the pasta till it returns to room temperature. Shake dry and return to pot or place in a large mixing bowl. Stir in the basil and sliced olives.
  2. In a blender, combine Meyer lemon juice, mayonnaise, agave nectar, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Blend on low till well mixed.
  3. Cover the blender and open the pour spout. While the blender runs, slowly drizzle the extra virgin olive oil into the dressing till the mixture is emulsified.
  4. Taste the dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Add the parmesan cheese. Toss gently till the salad is well combined. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if desired.
  5. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Salad can be made up to a day ahead; refresh with additional olive oil if needed before serving.

Notes

  • Dairy Free Modification: Omit the parmesan cheese, add another tablespoon of mayonnaise to the dressing when blending.
  • Gluten Free Modification: Use gluten free fusilli pasta instead of tricolor fusilli; make sure all of your ingredients are certified GF.
  • Vegetarian Option: To keep the salad Vegetarian, make sure you use a vegetarian rennet-free parmesan cheese.