Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 oz. (227g) dry pasta (such as penne or spiral pasta)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes (for pasta)
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, olives, and fresh basil.
- Add the cooked pasta to the bowl and mix gently.
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well mixed and pour over the pasta mixture.
- Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: 300; Fat: 9g; Carbs: 45g; Protein: 8g; Fiber: 3g
Dish Characteristics:
- Classic Italian flavors combined with a fresh salad
- Versatile dish that can be customized with different types of pasta and vegetables
- Ideal for summer gatherings or as a side dish for any meal
User Comments:
- "This salad is a perfect blend of flavors! The combination of fresh vegetables and pasta is delicious."
- "I love the combination of balsamic vinegar and olive oil in the dressing. It gives the salad a great taste."
- "This is a great dish to make ahead of time and serve at a party. Everyone loves it!"
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
