Does Lemon Basil Pasta Salad contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains both. It has Shredded Asiago Cheese (dairy) and Farfalle Pasta made from Semolina and Durum Wheat Flour (gluten).

Is Lemon Basil Pasta Salad good for weight loss?

Not particularly. It is high in calories due to the oil blend and contains added sugars in the vinaigrette. It is better suited as an occasional side dish.

Where can I buy Lemon Basil Pasta Salad?

This specific brand and formulation is available at major retailers like Walmart, Kroger, and Amazon Fresh, typically in the refrigerated deli section.

Is Lemon Basil Pasta Salad safe for kids?

Yes, it is safe for children. It contains no caffeine or major allergens other than gluten and dairy. However, it does contain garlic and shallots, which some families may limit for younger toddlers.

Is Lemon Basil Pasta Salad Kosher?

Yes, Lemon Basil Pasta Salad is kosher. Based on a detailed review of the ingredient list, this product does not contain any pork derivatives, shellfish, or non-kosher certified cheeses. It is a safe choice for those adhering to kosher dietary laws.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a prepared pasta salad is kosher, the primary concerns are the source of the pasta, the type of cheese used, and any hidden animal-derived additives in the dressing. Let's look at the specific components of this Lemon Basil Pasta Salad.

The base of the dish is Farfalle Pasta made from Enriched Semolina and Durum Wheat Flour. Wheat is inherently kosher, and there are no dairy ingredients mixed directly into the pasta dough, such as whey or casein. This makes the pasta component safe.

Regarding the protein and fat sources, the salad uses an Oil Blend of Canola and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. Both are plant-based oils and perfectly acceptable. The vegetables, including Green Peas, Zucchini, and Spinach, are all whole plant foods with no issues.

The most critical check is the cheese. The ingredients list Shredded Asiago Cheese. Asiago is a cow's milk cheese. For a cheese to be kosher, it must be made from milk that is kosher (cow/goat/sheep) and processed using kosher microbial enzymes rather than animal rennet. Since the product is sold in general retail (likely mainstream grocery stores), the cheese is almost certainly made with microbial enzymes, making it kosher. There is no mention of meat, so the combination of pasta and milk-based cheese is acceptable under kosher rules.

Finally, the Lemon Vinaigrette contains Balsamic Vinegar, Red Wine Vinegar, and White Wine. While wine requires strict kosher supervision to be considered kosher, vinegar derived from wine is generally acceptable if it has not been handled in a way that violates kosher laws. In a mass-produced product, the vinegar is processed to ensure it meets these standards.

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, this pasta salad offers a mix of complex carbohydrates and fats. The Farfalle Pasta provides energy through carbohydrates, while the Oil Blend contributes to the fat content. It is important to note that prepared pasta salads often have a high caloric density due to the oil and vinaigrette base.

The dressing contains Sugar, Grape Juice Concentrate, and Sweetened Lemon Zest. This adds to the total carbohydrate count and provides some added sugars. While not a low-carb option, it fits within a standard diet as a side dish. The Asiago Cheese adds a small amount of protein and calcium, but also contributes to the saturated fat content.

If you are watching your sodium intake, be mindful that the salad contains Sea Salt and Mustard, which can be high in sodium. Overall, it is a calorie-dense side dish rather than a low-calorie diet food.