Imagine a vibrant, refreshing dish that captures the essence of summer in every single bite - our Vegetable Herb Pasta Salad is about to become your new obsession! This Italian-inspired culinary masterpiece is not just a recipe, it's a flavor explosion that transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience that will have your friends and family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients and equipment. You will need a large pot for boiling the pasta, a colander for draining, a large mixing bowl for combining the salad, and a whisk or fork for mixing the dressing.
- Fill the large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Place it on the stove over high heat and bring it to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 8 ounces of pasta of your choice. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Rinse and halve the 1 cup of cherry tomatoes. Dice the cucumber into small cubes. Slice the 1/2 cup of black olives. Chop the 1/4 cup of fresh basil finely.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Allow the pasta to drain thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced black olives, and chopped fresh basil.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/4 cup of olive oil with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. Make sure the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the pasta salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the vegetable herb pasta salad in individual bowls or on a large serving platter. Enjoy it as a refreshing side dish or a light main course!
Tips
- Choose your pasta wisely: Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli work best as they hold the dressing and catch small vegetable pieces.
- Always rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Let the salad rest for at least 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- For extra flavor, consider adding crumbled feta cheese or toasted pine nuts as optional garnishes.
- This salad tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance for meal prep or picnics.
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible - they make a significant difference in the overall taste and aroma of the dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
