Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 oz. penne pasta (cooked)
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup green bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup red bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup yellow bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for pasta only)
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Preheat oven to broil.
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the halved cherry tomatoes.
- In a separate bowl, combine the diced bell peppers, cucumber, and red onion.
- Add the fresh basil to the pasta and tomato mixture.
- Toss all ingredients together with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Season with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for later.
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approx. 250-300 calories depending on seasoning and additional toppings.
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 8-10g (mainly from olive oil)
Dish Characteristics:
- Colorful and vibrant salad with a mix of vegetables and pasta.
- Full of flavor with the combination of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
- Great for summer or as a side dish for any meal.
User Comments:
- "This salad was refreshing and flavorful! The combination of vegetables and pasta was delicious."
- "I loved the use of balsamic vinegar in this salad, it gave it a unique taste."
- "This salad was a hit at my barbecue party! The colors were so vibrant and it was easy to make."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Be sure to cook the pasta to the desired texture as overcooking can make it too soft and lose its texture.
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preference. You can add more salt and pepper if desired.
- For a more hearty salad, you can add cooked chicken or shrimp for protein.
