Lemon Basil Artichoke Pasta Salad
This refreshing and vibrant Lemon Basil Artichoke Pasta Salad is a delightful choice for summer gatherings, combining the unique flavors of artichoke hearts with tender pasta, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes. It’s a perfect picnic dish or a side for barbecues, providing a burst of Mediterranean flavor in every bite. With a nutritious profile and a low cholesterol count, this salad is not only delicious but also a heart-healthy option. Sprinkle it with creamy feta right before serving for an extra layer of flavor and texture that elevates this cold salad to a new level.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Artichoke Hearts
1 (14 ounce) can (drained and divided)
Olive Oil
1 tablespoon
Water
1 tablespoon
Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon
Dried Basil
1/2 teaspoon
Dried Oregano
1/4 teaspoon
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Garlic
1 clove (minced)
Radiatore Pasta
3 cups (cooked (about 5 ounces uncooked))
Spinach
2 cups (thinly sliced)
Tomatoes
1 cup (chopped and seeded)
Feta Cheese
1/4 cup (crumbled (about one ounce))
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lemon Basil Artichoke Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing and vibrant cold pasta salad that combines artichoke hearts, tender pasta, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes with a Mediterranean-style lemon and basil dressing.
Is this pasta salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the Lemon Basil Artichoke Pasta Salad is vegetarian as it contains no meat ingredients.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using Radiatore pasta, but you can substitute other small pasta shapes like fusilli or penne if preferred.
Is this salad healthy?
Yes, it is a heart-healthy option with a nutritious profile and a low cholesterol count.
What are the main flavors in this dish?
The salad features bright citrus from lemon juice, herbal notes from dried basil and oregano, and savory depth from garlic and feta cheese.
Can I serve this at a summer barbecue?
Absolutely, this refreshing salad is an ideal choice for summer gatherings, picnics, or as a side dish for barbecues.
How do I prepare the artichoke hearts?
You should use one 14-ounce can of artichoke hearts, which should be drained and divided before being added to the salad.
What is in the dressing for this pasta salad?
The dressing is made from a simple mixture of olive oil, water, lemon juice, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and minced garlic.
How should the spinach be prepared?
The two cups of spinach should be thinly sliced before being tossed into the salad.
When should the feta cheese be added?
For the best texture and flavor, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the salad right before serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total: artichoke hearts, olive oil, water, lemon juice, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, garlic, radiatore pasta, spinach, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
Is this recipe low in cholesterol?
Yes, this salad is specifically noted for having a low cholesterol count.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with a plant-based cheese alternative.
How much pasta do I need?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of cooked Radiatore pasta, which is approximately 5 ounces of uncooked pasta.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe requires 1 cup of chopped and seeded tomatoes; any firm variety like Roma or cherry tomatoes works well.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This is a cold pasta salad, making it very refreshing for warm weather.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh basil for dried, though you may need to increase the amount to achieve a similar flavor profile.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe uses one minced clove of garlic to add savory flavor to the dressing.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best flavor, bottled lemon juice can be used as a convenient substitute.
What makes this a Mediterranean dish?
The combination of artichokes, olive oil, lemon, oregano, and feta cheese gives this salad its distinct Mediterranean character.
Is this a good dish for meal prep?
Yes, since it is served cold and the flavors meld over time, it is a great option for preparing in advance.
What is the serving size for the feta cheese?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of crumbled feta cheese, which is about one ounce.
Does this recipe contain any added sugar?
No, there is no added sugar in this pasta salad recipe.
Can I add extra protein to this salad?
Yes, grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp would make excellent additions if you want to increase the protein content.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the vegetables and pasta fresh.
Is the pasta rinsed after cooking?
For cold pasta salads, it is common to rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
Can I use a different type of oil?
Olive oil is recommended for its Mediterranean flavor, but you could use a neutral oil like avocado oil if necessary.
Are the artichoke hearts marinated?
The recipe uses canned artichoke hearts that are drained; you can use marinated ones for extra flavor if you adjust the other dressing ingredients.
Is there a lot of sodium in this recipe?
The sodium content primarily comes from the canned artichokes and feta cheese, so you can control it by rinsing the artichokes or using less cheese.
What is the texture of this salad?
This salad offers a variety of textures, from the tender pasta and artichokes to the crisp spinach and creamy feta cheese.