Introduction
Pasta salad is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed as a side or a main course. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a simple family meal, it combines the robust flavors of fresh ingredients with the satisfaction of pasta. This recipe showcases a beautiful blend of tomatoes, basil, and parmesan, all tossed in a flavorful dressing that brings everything together.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Pasta
500g (1 lb) penne, ziti, or other short pasta
2 teaspoons cooking salt or kosher salt (for cooking pasta)
Tomatoes
1 kg (2 lb) tomatoes, chopped into 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) pieces, retaining all juices
1/2 teaspoon cooking salt or kosher salt
Basil
3/4 cup tightly packed basil leaves, finely sliced
Parmesan
1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese
Dressing
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
2 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 teaspoon cooking salt or kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Extras
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 6-8
This pasta salad is not only visually appealing but also bursts with fresh flavors. It’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to dish for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. Enjoy!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare Dressing
Combine all dressing ingredients (extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper) in a jar and shake well, or whisk together in a bowl until fully combined.
Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add 2 teaspoons of salt. Add the 500g of pasta to the pot and cook for 2 minutes longer than the package instructions to achieve a softer texture. After cooking, drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Flavor Pasta
Pour 2/3 of the prepared dressing over the hot pasta. Stir to combine thoroughly and allow it to cool for 15 minutes, letting the pasta absorb the flavors of the dressing.
Marinate Tomatoes
In a separate bowl, place the chopped tomatoes along with their juices. Add the remaining dressing, gently toss to coat the tomatoes evenly, and let sit for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Combine Ingredients
Pour the tomato juices from the bowl into the pasta and toss to mix. Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of salt over the marinated tomatoes, gently toss to combine, then add the tomatoes to the pasta. Add the finely sliced basil and shredded parmesan cheese, and gently mix to combine all ingredients.
Serve
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl. If desired, drizzle balsamic glaze over the top and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts before serving.
Notes
Cooking Time
Ensure to check the pasta for doneness according to its package instructions before draining.
Marinating
Allowing the tomatoes to marinate enhances their flavor and contributes to the overall taste of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta salad is best served fresh but can also be refrigerated for a few hours before serving.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving again.
Cook techniques
Preparing the Dressing
Combine extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a jar and shake or whisk in a bowl until well mixed.
Cooking the Pasta
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add salt, and cook the pasta two minutes longer than instructed on the package for a softer texture. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Flavoring the Pasta
Pour two-thirds of the prepared dressing over the hot pasta, stirring to combine. Allow the pasta to cool for 15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption.
Marinating the Tomatoes
In a bowl, combine chopped tomatoes and their juices with the remaining dressing. Toss gently and let sit for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
Combining the Ingredients
Pour the tomato juices over the pasta, add the salted tomatoes, sliced basil, and shredded parmesan. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
Serving the Salad
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving bowl. Optionally, drizzle with balsamic glaze and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts before serving.
FAQ
Can I use different types of pasta for this salad?
Yes, you can substitute with other short pasta like fusilli or macaroni.
What can I use instead of balsamic vinegar?
You can use red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as alternatives.
How long can I store the pasta salad?
The pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I add other vegetables to the pasta salad?
Yes, feel free to add bell peppers, cucumbers, or olives for extra flavor and texture.
Is this pasta salad suitable for serving at a party?
Absolutely! It’s a great dish for gatherings due to its vibrant colors and delicious flavors.
Conclusion
This vibrant pasta salad combines the freshness of tomatoes and basil with the richness of parmesan and a tangy dressing, making it perfect for gatherings or as a side dish. The optional toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch, while the balsamic glaze elevates the flavors. This dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable, allowing you to experiment with different ingredients and preferences.
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