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Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad: A Bright, Vegan Delight!

This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a vibrant, vegan dish packed with fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing, perfect for meal prep.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Orecchiette Consider gluten-free pasta for a lighter option.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Plain Unsweetened Plant-Based Yogurt Offers creaminess without dairy.
  • 2 tablespoons Miso Paste Adds a savory umami punch.
  • 3 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice Enhances the entire salad.
For the Veggies
  • 1 medium Zucchini Can use roasted cauliflower for a smoky flavor.
  • 3 cups Spinach Substitute with arugula for extra zest.
  • 1 cup Artichoke Hearts Can substitute with sun-dried tomatoes.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Shallots or yellow onions can be alternatives.
For the Herbs
  • 1 cup Fresh Basil Use dried if fresh is unavailable.
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Mix in dill or thyme for variety.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • mixing bowl
  • blender

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Wash the zucchini and cut it into half-moon slices. Sprinkle sea salt and let sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out moisture. Pat dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add salt. Toss in the orecchiette pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the rinsed pasta, fresh spinach, and marinated artichoke hearts. Toss gently to mix.
  4. In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté diced red onion for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add to pasta salad.
  5. Sear zucchini and lemon halves in the same skillet for about 3-5 minutes until caramelized. Add to salad.
  6. Blend fresh basil, parsley, lemon zest, garlic, pepitas, yogurt, miso paste, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt until smooth.
  7. Pour dressing over salad mix and toss until everything is well-coated. Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 310mgPotassium: 540mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 2000IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Opt for fresh herbs and vegetables for the best flavor. Rinse pasta with cold water to maintain texture.

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