Description
This vibrant Lemon Basil Pasta Salad features tender orzo pasta mixed with marinated artichokes, fresh peas, and crisp zucchini matchsticks. Tossed in a zesty lemon and olive oil dressing with fragrant basil and a hint of oregano, this refreshing salad is perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a light, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 16 ounces orzo pasta
- 12 ounces marinated artichokes, drained
- 1 cup fresh peas (or frozen)
- 1 zucchini, cut into matchsticks
Dressing
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup basil leaves, roughly chopped
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the orzo pasta in salted water according to package instructions, approximately 8 minutes, until al dente. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pasta to a large bowl and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, reserving the pasta water.
- Cook the peas: In the reserved pasta water, cook the peas for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking, then add them to the pasta bowl.
- Prepare fresh ingredients: While the pasta cooks, cut the zucchini into thin strips and then into small matchsticks. Drain the marinated artichoke hearts and roughly chop the basil leaves. Add both to the bowl with the pasta and peas.
- Add lemon: Zest one whole lemon and squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the salad—adjust more lemon juice later if a stronger lemon flavor is desired.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, kosher salt, and oregano until combined. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss everything together to combine flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature with additional lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness.
Notes
- The reserved pasta water is used to cook the peas, enhancing their flavor and utilizing resources efficiently.
- Feel free to add more lemon juice if you prefer a more pronounced citrus flavor.
- This pasta salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics or meal prep.
- You can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes such as couscous or small shells.
- For a vegan option, ensure marinated artichokes do not contain any animal products.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: lemon basil pasta salad, orzo salad, Mediterranean pasta salad, summer pasta salad, vegetarian pasta salad
