Imagine a summer day where every bite transports you straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy - that's exactly what this Gemelli Pasta Salad promises! Bursting with fresh herbs, tangy feta, and crunchy walnuts, this recipe is not just a meal, but a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're hosting a picnic, planning a quick lunch, or craving a delightful side dish, this pasta salad is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces gemelli pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of gemelli pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil, 1/4 cup of olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the gemelli pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. In a medium bowl, combine the halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, chopped walnuts, and chopped fresh basil. Set aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will also help cool the pasta down for the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled gemelli pasta with the prepared tomato, feta, walnut, and basil mixture.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the pasta salad and gently toss everything together until well combined. Ensure that the olive oil coats all the ingredients evenly.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a small amount, mix, and adjust according to your preference.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This is a great time to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the gemelli pasta salad in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Garnish with extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of feta on top if desired.
- This pasta salad can be enjoyed immediately or refrigerated for up to 2 days. It makes a great side dish or a light main course.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness in your salad
- Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld
- Use fresh herbs for maximum flavor impact
- Toast the walnuts lightly before adding for enhanced nutty flavor
- Choose high-quality olive oil for better taste
- Adjust seasoning gradually to achieve perfect balance
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days
- For extra freshness, add herbs just before serving
- Experiment with additional ingredients like olives or grilled vegetables
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 15mg
