Print

Creamy Lemon Parmesan Pasta Salad

A delightful and zesty pasta salad that combines creamy Parmesan with bright lemon flavors, perfect for summer gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound rotini pasta
  • 1 cup Italian dressing
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, about 10-11 minutes, until tender yet firm to the bite.
  2. Drain and Rinse: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander, then immediately rinse it under cold water to halt the cooking process.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Italian dressing, lemon juice, grated Parmesan, parsley, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir until blended into a creamy sauce.
  4. Combine and Coat: Gently add the cooled pasta to the dressing mixture. Toss until every piece of pasta is thoroughly coated.
  5. Serve or Chill: You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the fridge for a couple of hours for enhanced flavors.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid overcooking the pasta to maintain its texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, creamy salad, summer recipe, lemon, Parmesan