Quick Look at this Cold Lemon Pasta Salad Recipe
- Ready In: 25 minutes!
- Serves: 10
- Main Ingredients: bow tie pasta, lemons, green onions, parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt!
- Dietary Info: gluten-free friendly, dairy-free friendly, vegetarian
- Best For: easy side dish, cookouts, picnics, potlucks, 4th of July, family gatherings!
- Why You’ll Love It: Most pasta salads have a creamy (and therefore heavy) base to them, but this simple lemon pasta salad is light, refreshing, and only requires 6 real, simple ingredients! The perfect Spring or Summer side dish to serve with just about anything!
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Key Ingredients + Substitutions
Be sure to see the recipe card below for a full listing of ingredients, instructions, and estimated nutritional information.
- Pasta – love using bow tie or farfalle pasta, but any shape will work or swap it out for a gluten-free pasta.
- Green Onions – our secret ingredient that bring the best punch of flavor in addition to some bright color!
- Parmesan Cheese – feel free to use a dairy-free alternative, if needed.
How to Make Lemon Pasta Salad (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – While the pasta cooks, zest and juice 2 lemons in a serving bowl.
Step 2 – Drain and rinse pasta. Add to the bowl with the lemon dressing.
Best Add-Ins & Variations
There are a variety of different options, here are some favorites:
- Cherry Tomatoes – more color and fresh acidity.
- Cheese – option to use feta or fresh mozzarella for an added creaminess.
- Protein – keep it vegetarian with canned chickpeas or add some simple grilled chicken breasts.
- Herbs – try tossing in a little fresh basil, parsley, or mint for even more flavor!
Step 3 – Add parmesan, green onions, and salt.
Step 4 – Toss to coat and adjust any flavors to your liking.
Best Ways To Serve Lemon Pasta Salad
This cold lemon pasta salad is perfect alongside our mediterranean turkey burgers, a smoked beer can chicken, or the best grilled ribs! The light & refreshing flavors pair really nicely with something warm coming off the grill or smoker.
Lemon Pasta Salad FAQs
Yes, it can easily be made in advance. Just be aware that it might need another quick drizzle of olive oil before serving to freshen it up.
Yes, this is a cold lemon pasta salad.
It will stay fresh for about 5-7 days in the refrigerator, if covered tightly! Perfect for making on the weekend to eat throughout the week!
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle pasta), or gluten-free pasta
- 2 lemons
- 6 green onions, thinly sliced
- ¾ cup parmesan cheese, finely grated (sub dairy-free alternative)
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, sub avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, more, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a pot of water to boil. Add 16 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle pasta). Cook until al-dente according to package instructions.
- Lemon + Onion: While pasta is cooking zest and juice 2 lemons into the bowl you will be serving your pasta salad in. Add sliced green onions to the same bowl.
- Drain + Rinse: Once pasta is al dente, drain pasta in a strainer and immediately rinse with cold water. Drain again. Transfer to your serving bowl with the lemon mixture.
- Mix: Add ¾ cup parmesan cheese, ½ cup extra virgin olive oil, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Toss to mix completely.
- Taste + Adjust: Taste and add additional salt (I usually add an additional teaspoon or two, but everyone has different preferences so taste and adjust), parmesan cheese or olive oil, as desired.
- Serve: Serve and garnish with additional green onion, parmesan cheese and/or lemon zest, if desired.
Notes
- Add additional oil: If Lemon Pasta sits for a while, either out or in the refrigerator, feel free to drizzle additional olive oil before serving again as it will be soaked up by the pasta.
- Gluten-Free: love Jovial Gluten-Free Noodles.
- Dairy-Free: To make dairy-free use a parmesan cheese substitute, as desired.
- Storage: Lemon Pasta will last 5-7 days in the refrigerator, covered.
- Season to Taste: Add additional salt, lemon juice or parmesan cheese, as desired.
Aimee says
I come back to this dish often. Easy, yummy, light, perfect for those busy after school sport days. The leftovers make my work day easier too (if there ever are leftovers).
Shannon says
I know this was meant to be served cold, but I decided to try it as a hot meal for dinner instead, and it was delicious. I sent the cold leftovers with my husband for work the next day, and he said it was perfect hot and cold. This recipe was one of the best summer meals I have had. We enjoyed it so much, we added it to our regular monthly rotation. It’s so fresh! I think I will try adding in some toasted pine nuts next time.
Fantastic!
Erin says
So happy to hear that, Shannon! And love it that you tried it warm – thanks for the feedback!
Lindsay Manzella says
Really yummy! The leftovers are delicious cold with some canned tuna!
Erin says
Yay! Thank you, Lindsay! So glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback – I really appreciate it!
Carrie says
Is this dish supposed to be served cold? Like pasta salad?
Erin says
Hi, Carrie! Yes! Sorry if that wasn’t clear – that’s why you rinse the pasta with cold water to cool down the pasta. It can then be served at room temp or if you are making it ahead of time you can put it in the fridge and serve it cold. Just remember to add a little extra olive oil after it sits in the fridge for a while as the pasta will soak up the previously added oil! Hope that helps!
Lauren Frazier says
Made this recipe yesterday for a family cookout and it was BIG hit! So good, so fresh, and the perfect summer pasta dish!!
Erin says
YAY! So happy to hear that, Laura! It’s a family favorite 🙂 Thanks for taking the time to leave your feedback – I really appreciate it!