Imagine a dish that combines the freshness of summer, the comfort of Italian cuisine, and the ease of a 20-minute meal. This Quick Simple Pasta Salad is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen in your kitchen! Packed with vibrant cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fragrant basil, this salad is about to become your new go-to dish for everything from casual lunches to elegant dinner parties.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
- While the pasta is cooling, prepare the other ingredients. Wash the cherry tomatoes and slice them in half. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the mozzarella balls to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes. If the mozzarella balls are large, you can cut them in half for easier mixing.
- Chop the fresh basil into small pieces and add it to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes and mozzarella.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar until well combined. This will be your dressing.
- Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the mixing bowl with the other ingredients.
- Pour the olive oil and balsamic vinegar dressing over the pasta and other ingredients in the bowl.
- Gently toss everything together until the pasta, tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil are well coated with the dressing.
- Season the pasta salad with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference.
- Let the pasta salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour before serving for a chilled option.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent a mushy texture.
- Use high-quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar for the most flavorful dressing.
- Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend beautifully.
- For extra flavor, consider adding some fresh garlic or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't be afraid to make it in advance.
- Use fresh mozzarella for the creamiest, most authentic taste.
- Feel free to customize with additional vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for more crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
