Ingredients and Weight:
- 8 oz. dried pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup olives (such as kalamata or olive mix)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
Preparation Time: 45 minutes (includes pasta cooking time)
Cooking Time: 20 minutes (for pasta only, salad can be prepared ahead)
Difficulty Level: 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, olives, and fresh basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Pour over the pasta mixture and toss to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to blend.
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
Calories: Approx. 300-350 (depending on pasta type and size of serving)
Carbohydrates: 45-55g
Protein: 8-12g
Fat: 10-15g (mostly healthy unsaturated fats)
Fiber: 3-5g
Dish Characteristics:
- Simple and refreshing Italian flavors
- Great as a side dish or light meal
- Can be customized with different vegetables or proteins (e.g., chicken, tuna)
- Versatile dish that can be served at any time of the year
User Comments:
- "Love the combination of flavors in this salad! The basil gives it a great fresh taste."
- "This is a perfect summer salad. The pasta is cooked just right and the dressing is delicious."
- "I added some cooked shrimp to this salad and it was a hit! Great recipe."
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the dressing.
- Adjust the amount of dressing based on your preference for a more or less dressed salad.
- This salad is best served chilled, so prepare it ahead of time if possible.
