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Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Pasta Salad: A Refreshing Vegan Delight

This Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is a delightful vegan dish that combines fresh basil, lemon, and veggies in a creamy dressing.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Vegan
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Pasta Choose your favorite type; gluten-free if needed.
For the Dressing
  • 1 cup Plain Unsweetened Plant-Based Yogurt Forager Project or Silk's Soy yogurt recommended.
  • 1 whole Fresh Lemon Always opt for fresh for best flavor.
  • 1 tbsp Miso Paste Can swap with 2 tbsp nutritional yeast.
  • 1 cup Basil Fresh herbs for aromatic flavor.
  • 1 cup Parsley Fresh herbs for aromatic flavor.
For the Salad
  • 1 medium Zucchini Packed with crunch and moisture; can substitute.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Add sharp flavor; shallots or yellow onion work too.
  • 2 cups Spinach Can use arugula for a peppery twist.
  • 1 cup Marinated Artichoke Hearts Adds depth of flavor; consider other substitutes.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Blender
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Prepare the Zucchini: Slice zucchini into thin half-moons, sprinkle salt, rest for 10 min, then pat dry.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, cook pasta until al dente (8-10 min), drain and rinse.
  3. Sauté the Onion: Heat olive oil, sauté red onion for 3-4 min until translucent, then add to mixing bowl.
  4. Sear the Zucchini: In the skillet, add olive oil, cook zucchini slices until golden-brown (4-5 min), then add to bowl.
  5. Create the Creamy Dressing: Blend basil, parsley, lemon zest, garlic, pumpkin seeds, yogurt, miso paste, and lemon juice until smooth.
  6. Toss the Salad: Pour half the dressing over pasta salad, toss gently, adjust seasoning and dress as needed.
  7. Serve and Store: Chill for 30 min or serve immediately; store leftovers in airtight container for 4-5 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gSodium: 300mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1800IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This salad can be made ahead of time and tastes even better after being refrigerated for a while.

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