Pasta Salad Recipe
This Pasta Salad is a delightful and refreshing dish that is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a simple weeknight dinner. Tender pasta is combined with creamy mozzarella, juicy cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil, all tossed in a flavorful dressing. It’s a colorful and flavorful salad that’s sure to be a hit!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 pound small pasta (e.g., fusilli, orecchiette, or penne)
- 16 ounces mozzarella balls (such as ciliegine or pearls)
- 3 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh basil
Dressing
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for pasta water)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 clove garlic, minced or pressed
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
- Prepare the salad: Halve the mozzarella balls and cherry tomatoes. Combine them in a bowl with the cooled pasta and basil.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Toss everything together: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Let it rest: Allow the flavors to meld for about 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- This salad can be customized with additional ingredients like olives, grilled chicken, or pine nuts.
- For a creamier salad, add a dollop of mayonnaise to the dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Pasta Salad, Mozzarella, Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, Easy, Quick, Vegetarian
Find it online: https://tastybella.com/pasta-salad-recipe/
