This Lemon Pepper Pasta Salad is made for 4th of July parties, cookouts, and any time you need a cold side dish that brings big flavor. It pairs Dan-Good with grilled chicken, burgers, brats, ribs, or anything hot off the grill. Tri-color rotini gets tossed with fresh basil, lemon juice, tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, black olives, and a bright vinaigrette that’s sweet, tangy, and fresh. Dan-O’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning brings that bold citrus kick, while Dan-O’s Italian-O adds the classic herb flavor that ties the basil, tomato, mozzarella, and pasta together. It’s fresh, flavorful, and ready to Sprinkle Generously.
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Dan-O’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 2 tbsp Dan-O’s Cheesoning
- 1 tbsp Dan-O’s Italian-O
- 2 lb tri-color rotini pasta
- Salt, for pasta water
- 1 oz fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 to 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 4 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 12 oz small tomatoes, halved
- 1 lb fresh mozzarella pearls
- 1 small can black olives, drained
- Lemon zest, from 1 lemon
Preparation Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the tri-color rotini pasta and cook until done, about 10 to 12 minutes or according to the package directions. Drain the pasta, then return it to the pot.
- Cool the Pasta: Add ice and cold water to the pot with the drained pasta. Stir for a few minutes until the pasta is chilled, then remove the ice from the top and drain off any extra water.
- Make the Lemon Pepper Vinaigrette: Add the chopped basil to a large mixing bowl. Stir in the lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, Dan-O’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning, Dan-O’s Cheesoning, and Dan-O’s Italian-O until everything is well combined.
- Adjust the Vinaigrette: Taste the vinaigrette, then stir in the apple cider vinegar and remaining olive oil. Mix again until the dressing is smooth, bright, and well balanced.
- Add the Tomatoes and Mozzarella: Cut the tomatoes in half and add them to the vinaigrette. Add the mozzarella pearls, then gently stir so they start soaking up all that lemon pepper flavor.
- Mix the Pasta Salad: Add the chilled pasta and drained black olives to the bowl. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the tomatoes, mozzarella, and olives are mixed throughout.
- Finish and Serve: Add fresh lemon zest over the top, then sprinkle with the remaining Dan-O’s Lemon Pepper Seasoning. Give the pasta salad one final toss, serve cold, and Yum Yum Get Ya Sum!
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