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Partial top view of Lemon, Basil, and Cucumber Pasta Salad in white serving dish. Fresh basil, halved lemon, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers also in partial view.
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Lemon, Basil, and Cucumber Pasta Salad

This refreshing Lemon, Basil, and Cucumber Pasta salad is full of bright, summertime flavors. It's made with bowtie pasta, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, onion, fresh mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, and a zesty homemade lemon dressing.
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Author Jessica

Equipment

  • 1 medium pot
  • 1 medium mixing bowl
  • 1 small bowl or jar

Ingredients

For the salad:

  • 6-8 oz. farfalle bowtie pasta
  • 1 large cucumber or 2 small cucumbers cut into half-moons
  • 1/3 cup red onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella pearls
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil roughly chopped

For the dressing:

  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup vegetable oil or olive oil
  • Juice of 1 1/2 lemons
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook about 10 minutes, or until al dente.
  • Drain and rinse with cold water. Allow pasta to cool.
  • In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, cucumber, onion, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella pearls.
  • In a small bowl or jar, add the garlic cloves, lemon juice and zest, and salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Pour the dressing over the pasta salad. Add the fresh basil and stir to combine and coat. Adjust flavors, as needed.
  • Serve immediately or chill in the fridge.