Looking for a refreshing dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of summer? Dive into this delightful Fresh Tomato Basil Pasta Salad that’s not only quick to prepare but also bursting with freshness! With just 25 minutes of your time, you can create a colorful, mouthwatering salad that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light dinner. Imagine al dente pasta mingling with juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a drizzle of olive oil, all coming together to create a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing. Ready to impress your friends and family with this Italian classic? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the fresh basil, and mince the garlic cloves.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, and minced garlic.
- Drizzle olive oil over the pasta mixture, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Gently toss all ingredients together until well combined, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated with olive oil and herbs.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a final gentle stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne, as they hold the dressing and ingredients well, making each bite flavorful.
- Season the Water: Don’t forget to add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water before cooking the pasta. This enhances the flavor of the pasta itself.
- Cool the Pasta Quickly: Rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water not only stops the cooking process but also helps prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest cherry tomatoes and basil you can find. Their vibrant flavors are the stars of this dish!
- Let It Chill: Allowing the salad to rest in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more delicious.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other ingredients like mozzarella balls, olives, or even a splash of balsamic vinegar for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve at Room Temperature: While this salad is delightful chilled, serving it at room temperature can enhance its freshness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
