Description
This Easy Pasta Salad Recipe is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a summer gathering or a quick weeknight meal. The combination of fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and a zesty basil dressing creates a delicious and satisfying pasta salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Basil Dressing:
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (loosely packed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes OR freshly ground black pepper
Pasta Salad:
- 1 pound farfalle pasta
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 12 ounce container marinated mozzarella balls (removed from oil)
- 1/3 cup fresh basil (loosely packed, thinly sliced)
Instructions
- For the Basil Dressing: In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pulse on high for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, or until smooth. Set aside until needed.
- For the Pasta Salad: Place a large pot of salted water over high heat; bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. While the water comes to a boil and the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half; thinly slice the basil and red onion; set aside until needed. Remove the mozzarella balls from the oil and set aside. When the pasta is done, drain and rinse it under cold water. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the dressing, tomatoes, basil, onion, and mozzarella. Toss to combine.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: pasta salad, easy recipe, summer dish, vegetarian, basil dressing
