LEMON BASIL PASTA SALAD

This is my fresh and light take on pasta salad. I love creating simple recipes that feel a bit more elevated than the standard dishes you see on repeat. Lemon & parmesan are great flavors I love using whenever possible especially in a pasta dish so for this one made a super creamy, fresh and bright sauce that goes over a chilled pasta making it the perfect side dish for any occasion.

What you’ll need:

1 lb pasta of choice

¾ cup mayonnaise

¼ cup olive oil

Juice of 2 fresh lemons

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

½ cup fresh basil, finely chopped

½ cup toasted pine nuts

Garlic powder

Onion powder

Salt/Pepper

½–1 cup reserved pasta water

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How you’ll make it:

Cook pasta in salted boiling water  until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, then allow the pasta to cool. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add the cooled pasta and toss until evenly coated. Gradually add reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. Fold in  toasted pine nuts (you can toast in the oven for 10 minutes, watch closely to not burn). Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to come together. Before serving I will toss well & finish with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and toasted pine nuts on top.