Are you ready to transform your ordinary meal into a mouthwatering Mediterranean-inspired experience? Ray Parrella's Pasta Salad is not just another side dish—it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to a sun-drenched Italian coastline! Packed with fresh ingredients, vibrant colors, and a perfect balance of flavors, this recipe is guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering, picnic, or weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 300g pasta (your choice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. The salt will help to enhance the flavor of the pasta.
- Once the water is boiling, add 300g of pasta of your choice (such as rotini, penne, or fusilli) to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Taste a piece to ensure it is cooked to your preference.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse and halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, and set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Next, add 1 cup of mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine) to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes.
- Slice 1/2 cup of black olives and add them to the bowl along with the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- Chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves and add them to the mixture in the bowl. The fresh basil will add a wonderful aroma and flavor to the salad.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This will also help to prevent the pasta from becoming sticky.
- Add the cooled pasta to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
- Drizzle 1/4 cup of olive oil over the pasta salad. This will add richness and help to bring all the flavors together.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each, and adjust according to your preference.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Ensure that the pasta is evenly coated with the olive oil and the vegetables are distributed throughout.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate it for a while if you prefer it chilled.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad another gentle toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the pasta salad in a large bowl or individual plates, garnishing with additional fresh basil if desired. Enjoy your Ray Parrella's Pasta Salad!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Select pasta shapes with ridges or curves like rotini or fusilli, which help hold the dressing and ingredients better.
- Salt Your Pasta Water: Don't skimp on salt when boiling pasta—it's your only chance to season the pasta from the inside out.
- Cool Pasta Properly: Rinse pasta with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking. This keeps your salad from becoming mushy.
- Let Flavors Marinate: Allow the salad to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving to let the ingredients mingle and develop deeper flavors.
- Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature: This versatile salad tastes great both cold and at room temperature, making it perfect for various occasions.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use high-quality, fresh mozzarella and just-picked basil for the most authentic and delicious results.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
