Description
Pasta Salad with Olive Oil & Cherry Tomatoes is a vibrant summer dish that combines al dente pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic basil, all drizzled with rich extra virgin olive oil. Perfect for picnics or barbecues, this salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience that invites you to savor each bite. Fresh, colorful, and loaded with flavor, it’s an easy recipe that everyone will love!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz fusilli pasta
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly.
- While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables by halving cherry tomatoes and chopping basil.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, and fresh basil.
- Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper. Toss until well combined.
- If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: For added crunch, include bell peppers or zucchini. To make it heartier, consider adding grilled chicken or chickpeas. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.