Creamy Lemon-Basil Pasta Salad

This creamy, zesty pasta salad with peas and arugula is a modern take on a summer classic. We love the bright lemon zest and shower of crunchy, buttery bread crumbs for texture.

By Yankee Magazine

Jul 07 2022

Photo Credit : Katherine Keenan

Yield:

6 to 8 servings

For the dressing

Ingredients

2 cloves crushed garlic
1 cup sliced fresh basil, plus more for garnish
1 tablespoon honey
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/3 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

First, make the dressing: Combine the garlic, basil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, mayonnaise, and yogurt in a food processor. Pulse until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

For the salad

Ingredients

1 pound rigatoni pasta
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped roasted red peppers (fresh or from a jar)
1 cup sliced sugar snap peas
1 cup baby arugula leaves

Instructions

Then, cook the pasta: Put the rigatoni into a large pot of boiling salted water and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Toss with olive oil and refrigerate until cool.

For the topping

Ingredients

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
2 tablespoons salted butter

Instructions

Meanwhile, make the bread crumb topping: Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the bread crumbs and reduce heat to medium. Toast the bread crumbs, stirring often, until golden brown, approximately 3 minutes.

To assemble the salad, add the roasted red peppers, sugar snap peas, and arugula to the chilled pasta. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss to combine. Top with toasted bread crumbs and garnish with basil.