Easy Italian Pasta Salad Recipe

Looking for an easy and delicious pasta salad that you can whip up in no time? This Italian pasta salad recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends! This dish comes together quickly with minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknight dinners.

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (all ingredients are cold)
Servings: 4-6 people

Ingredients You'll Need:

• 8 ounces of your favorite pasta, cooked al dente
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup pitted and sliced olives
• ¼ cup slivered red onions
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• Salt to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

To start, prepare your ingredients. Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions; make sure it's not overcooked as you want some bite in each bite of your pasta salad.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, and slivered red onions. Add in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and salt to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Optional: For extra flavor, add some shredded Parmesan cheese into your mix before tossing it together. This step is optional as this dish can be enjoyed even without the cheese.

Allow the salad to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so that all flavors meld together perfectly. Once chilled, garnish with fresh basil or parsley leaves and serve immediately!

Tips & Tricks:

1. Mix Ahead of Time: This pasta salad is great when made in advance! You can prepare it the night before you plan to eat it for an effortless meal.
2. Customize Your Salad: Feel free to substitute any ingredient based on personal preference. For instance, add more vegetables like cucumbers or green peppers if you prefer crunchy textures over juicy ones!
3. Variations: Try adding grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):

Total Calories: 340 kcal
Calories from Fat: 175 kcal
Total Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 5.5g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 16g
Protein: 7g

Health Benefits:

This pasta salad recipe is not only flavorful but also packed with essential nutrients. The tomatoes provide vitamin C and lycopene, while olives contribute antioxidants which are beneficial for heart health. Red onions offer quercetin—a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation in the body.

The Parmesan cheese (if used) adds calcium to your diet; however, due to its high-fat content, it's best consumed moderately if you're watching your waistline or following a low-calorie plan.

Conclusion:

A simple yet satisfying Italian pasta salad can be an excellent addition to any meal. Whether you’re looking for something light and refreshing during summer months or a comforting dish on chilly evenings, this recipe offers versatility with minimal preparation required. Serve it warm from the fridge or even at room temperature, which makes it perfect for picnics too!

Try experimenting with different types of pasta such as fusilli, penne, or bow ties to see what your favorite texture is like. And don't hesitate to explore various additions like artichoke hearts or capers to give this classic dish a unique twist.