Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad Recipe
A refreshing and zesty Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad made with rotini pasta, Italian dressing, fresh lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs and spices. Perfect as a light side dish for picnics, barbecues, or a quick, flavorful meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Total Time: 21 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound rotini pasta
Dressing and Flavorings
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil rotini pasta according to package instructions, usually about 10 to 11 minutes until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta completely. Ensure it is well-drained to avoid sogginess in the salad.
- Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine Italian dressing, fresh lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to blend all flavors.
- Combine salad: Add the cooled and drained pasta to the bowl with the dressing mixture. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful dressing and seasonings.
- Marinate and serve: Serve immediately for a light and fresh salad, or chill in the refrigerator for a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Stir again before serving if chilled.
Notes
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor as the pasta absorbs the dressing and seasonings.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best citrus flavor.
- Ensure pasta is well-drained to prevent a watery salad.
- Can be customized by adding vegetables like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for added texture and freshness.
- Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note; use freshly grated for best results.
Keywords: Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad, rotini pasta salad, Italian pasta salad, cold pasta salad, lemon pasta salad
Find it online: https://kochenmitviktoria.com/lemon-parmesan-pasta-salad-recipe/
