As we’re beginning the season of summer cookouts and picnics, I’m always looking for quick and easy side dish recipes. You can’t go wrong with a pasta dish – pasta salads are a staple at any backyard barbecue. This pasta is so bold in flavor – the lemon and basil are amazing together…add some asiago cheese and you know this will be a crowd pleaser!
Here is what you’ll need:
1lb Pasta (you can use any kind)
5 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp dijon mustard
bunch of fresh basil
zest of one lemon
Asiago cheese
1 zucchini diced
salt and pepper to taste
Time to cook!
- Cook pasta as directed. Again, you can use any kind of pasta. I used gluten free Farfalle pasta.
- While pasta is cooking, cut zucchini in to small pieces.
- Chop basil – leave a few leaves in tact for garnish
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dijon mustard, salt, pepper.
- Once pasta is cooked – drain and place in bowl to cool. Toss in olive oil mixture, zucchini and lemon zest.
- Add Asiago Cheese to taste – we love cheese so we always add a little extra!
- Cover and place in refrigerator to cool.
If you’re not a fan of zucchini – you can add peas, asparagus, broccoli, or kale. You can also make this a main summer dish by adding grilled chicken or shrimp.
The acid from the lemon + the bold flavor of the basil and asiago cheese will make this the tastiest dish at your gathering!
