Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into a culinary masterpiece with this mouthwatering Pasta Tomato and Basil Salad! Imagine a dish that captures the essence of an Italian summer - vibrant cherry tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and perfectly cooked pasta dancing together in a tantalizing balsamic dressing. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing side dish, or a light dinner that'll transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean, this recipe 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 pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, ensuring they are cut into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Gently rinse and pat dry the fresh basil leaves. Chop the basil leaves into fine, fragrant pieces using a sharp knife.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta, tomatoes, and basil. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Let the salad sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with extra fresh basil leaves if desired.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light main course.
Tips
- • For the most authentic flavor, use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar. • Make sure to rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy. • Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop and meld together. • For extra freshness, use room temperature ingredients and freshly picked basil. • This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make it in advance! • Feel free to add some fresh mozzarella or grilled chicken to make it a more substantial meal. • Use pasta shapes with ridges or curves like fusilli or penne to help hold onto more of the delicious dressing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
