Trader Joe’s Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe

This zesty refreshing Trader Joes Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe is made with farfalle, fresh basil, and zucchini and ready in 20 minutes. Tossing the warm pasta directly into the bright citrus dressing allows the noodles to absorb every bit of flavor. I find this to be the ultimate quick summer side dish.

Why This Classic Works

I used to buy this specific tub from the store every single week during the summer. I eventually realized I could recreate it at home for a fraction of the cost.

The biggest lesson I learned was not to skimp on the fresh lemon zest. Using bottled juice just does not deliver that punchy brightness the original has.

Trader Joes Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe Ingredients

• • 1 pound farfalle (bowtie) pasta
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 medium zucchini, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

For the Lemon Basil Dressing

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 large garlic clove
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Trader Joes Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe

1. 1. Boil The Pasta: Cook the farfalle in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions.
2. 2. Blend The Dressing: Combine basil, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
3. 3. Prep The Veggies: Dice the zucchini into small pieces while the pasta cooks.
4. 4. Toss It Together: Place the warm pasta, diced zucchini, and peas into a large mixing bowl.
5. 5. Add The Cheese: Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the salad and gently fold it in.

Recipe Tips

• Dress it warm: Mixing the dressing into warm pasta helps the noodles absorb the lemon and basil flavors deeply.
• Chop veggies small: Dicing the zucchini into small pieces ensures you get a little bit of crunch in every single bite.
• Use fresh basil: Dried basil will not work for this dressing because it lacks the vibrant color and fresh oils needed.

What To Serve With Lemon Basil Pasta Salad

This bright side dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken breast or light white fish. It also works as a fantastic base for a vegetarian lunch if you add some chickpeas.

How To Store

Store any leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. I do not recommend freezing this dish as the zucchini will become mushy when thawed. You can make it a day ahead, but you might need to add a splash of olive oil before serving.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, fusilli or penne work great because their ridges hold onto the dressing well.

Do I have to cook the zucchini?

No, the zucchini is meant to be eaten raw for a crisp texture that contrasts with the soft pasta.

Is this recipe vegan?

You can easily make it vegan by swapping the parmesan cheese for a plant-based alternative or nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

• Calories: 310 kcal
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
• Protein: 10 g

Try More Recipes:

• Trader Joe’s Cracked Olive Salad Recipe
• Trader Joes Orzo Salad Recipe
• Trader Joes Chicken Salad Copycat Recipe

Trader Joes Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe

Recipe by Nate Collins

Servings

6

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

20

minutes

Trader Joes Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Recipe with zesty refreshing dressing, crisp fresh zucchini, and sweet green peas is ready in exactly 20 minutes. This vibrant dish makes the ideal quick summer side for busy weeknights or weekend barbecues.

Ingredients

• 1 pound farfalle (bowtie) pasta

• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed

• 1 medium zucchini, finely diced

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, packed

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 large garlic clove

• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

• 1.Boil The Pasta:Cook the farfalle in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions.
• 2.Blend The Dressing:Combine basil, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
• 3.Prep The Veggies:Dice the zucchini into small pieces while the pasta cooks.
• 4.Toss It Together:Place the warm pasta, diced zucchini, and peas into a large mixing bowl.
• 5.Add The Cheese:Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the salad and gently fold it in.