Best Ever Pasta Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

1. Penne pasta - 500 grams
2. Cherry tomatoes - 200 grams
3. Fresh basil - 50 grams
4. Cucumber - 1 medium, about 200 grams
5. Italian salad dressing - 150 milliliters
6. Grated parmesan cheese - 50 grams
7. Salt and pepper - to taste

Preparation Time:

• Total preparation time: 45 minutes (including pasta cooking time)
• Cooking time: 20 minutes (for pasta)
• Preparation time: 25 minutes (for assembling the salad)

Difficulty Level:

Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add salt. Add the penne pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes (cut in half), cucumber (sliced), and fresh basil leaves (torn into pieces).
3. Pour the Italian salad dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine.
4. Add the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper as desired.
5. Mix well and transfer to a serving bowl or individual plates. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information: (Based on average values, may vary depending on actual ingredients used)

• Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving (assuming a serving size of about 1 cup)
• Fat: 18 grams
• Carbohydrates: 65 grams
• Protein: 14 grams
• Fiber: 3 grams

Dish Characteristics:

• Colorful and appealing to the eye, with a combination of red, green, and yellow ingredients.
• The flavor is a perfect blend of Italian flavors, with a rich, creamy taste from the parmesan cheese and a slightly tangy dressing.
• The texture is varied, with the pasta being smooth and creamy, and the vegetables being crisp and fresh.

User Comments:

1. "This pasta salad is really delicious! The combination of flavors is perfect."
2. "I love the addition of fresh basil in this salad, it gives it a very fresh and herbal taste."
3. "This is a great dish to bring to a potluck or picnic. Everyone loved it!"
4. "The parmesan cheese really makes this salad stand out."
5. "A great dish for summer, very refreshing and light."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure to cook the pasta to the desired texture, as overcooked pasta can become mushy.
• Adjust the seasoning according to your preference, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
• If you want to add more protein, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp to the salad.
• This salad is best served immediately after preparation to ensure freshness and flavor.