Imagine a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine in just 20 minutes - our Penne Salad with Tomatoes, Goat Cheese, and Basil is about to become your new obsession! This mouthwatering recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that's perfect for hot summer days, picnics, or when you need a quick and impressive meal that looks like it took hours to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 oz goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the penne pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the fresh basil, and crumble the goat cheese.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta down.
- Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and gently toss to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped basil to the pasta.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Gently mix all ingredients to distribute evenly.
- For best flavor, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente - it provides the perfect texture and prevents the salad from becoming mushy.
- Use high-quality olive oil and fresh basil for maximum flavor impact.
- Let the salad rest at room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- For extra freshness, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- If preparing in advance, keep the goat cheese and basil separate and add just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and texture.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best taste - they're the secret weapon in this recipe!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 25mg
