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Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Peas

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Peas

  • Author: Marcus
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad with Peas is a bright, refreshing, and healthy dish that features perfectly cooked pasta, sweet fresh peas, aromatic basil, and creamy plant-based cheese. The salad is coated in a tangy lemon dressing enhanced with a natural gelling agent, giving it the perfect texture for every bite. This easy-to-make recipe is versatile and ideal as a light main or side dish for any season or gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 2 cups short pasta (fusilli or penne)
  • 1 cup fresh peas
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (natural)
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 tsp natural gelling agent
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Additional

  • 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, crumbled

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water for 8 to 10 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta to maintain a firm texture suitable for salads.
  2. Prepare the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, natural gelling agent, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and smooth, ensuring the dressing will coat the ingredients nicely.
  3. Combine Pasta and Peas: Gently fold the fresh peas into the cooled pasta to keep their bright color and natural crispness, creating a sweet contrast against the lemon dressing.
  4. Add Basil and Cheese: Incorporate the chopped or torn fresh basil leaves and crumbled plant-based cheese into the pasta mixture to add herbaceous freshness and creamy texture.
  5. Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the pasta, peas, basil, and cheese, then gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary for the perfect balance.

Notes

  • Cook pasta just right to avoid mushy texture in the salad.
  • Use fresh lemon juice daily for vibrant freshness.
  • Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor melding and refreshment.
  • Toss gently to keep peas and basil leaves intact without bruising.
  • Add natural gelling agent last for a creamy, clingy dressing texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No cooking involved except boiling pasta
  • Cuisine: International

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: lemon basil pasta salad, plant-based cheese salad, fresh peas pasta salad, vegan pasta salad, gluten free pasta salad

Find it online: https://tastysoulkitchen.com/lemon-basil-pasta-salad-with-peas/