Perfectly Balanced Tomato Basil Pasta Salad Recipe

Looking for a simple yet delicious tomato basil pasta salad recipe? This delightful dish is perfect for summer picnics or a quick lunch at home. It combines the freshness of tomatoes and basil with the bite of red pepper, and the creamy dressing ties it all together beautifully.

To make this tomato basil pasta salad, you will need:

• 8 ounces of pasta
• 2 cups of cherry or grape tomatoes
• 1 small red bell pepper (julienned)
• 1/4 cup of fresh basil leaves (chopped)
• 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain well and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, red pepper, and basil. Mix gently to avoid breaking the tomatoes.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well to coat everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
5. If you like, crumble some cheese into the salad just before serving for extra flavor.
6. Chill the pasta salad in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together fully.
7. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Cooking time: Approximately 25-30 minutes (15 minutes of prep, including boiling pasta + chilling)

Number of servings: 4-6 people

Tips for Making the Best Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

To ensure your tomato basil pasta salad is the best it can be:

• Select ripe tomatoes. The fresher and riper your tomatoes, the better they will taste in this dish. Avoid overly soft or mushy ones.
• Bake your red pepper beforehand. This adds a smoky flavor to the salad which pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients. Simply cut it into thin strips and toss them into a hot pan for a few minutes until slightly charred before adding them to the bowl.
• Avoid overmixing. When tossing the pasta with all the salad components, take care not to break up the tomatoes too much as this can result in an unappealing texture. A gentle mix is best.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This dish provides a balance of carbohydrates from the pasta and fiber from the vegetables, along with healthy fats from olive oil and cheese (optional). It's also rich in vitamins and antioxidants due to its tomato and basil content. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown:

• Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
• Carbohydrates: Around 55g
• Fat: About 18g
• Protein: Approximately 12g
• Fiber: ~6g

Variations and Additions

This tomato basil pasta salad can be easily customized to suit your preferences:

• Add protein. Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or black beans for a more substantial meal.
• Increase the spice level. A dash of cayenne pepper adds an exciting kick without overpowering the salad flavors.
• Vary the dressing. Try using lemon juice instead of balsamic vinegar or mix in some pesto for a different flavor profile.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

The pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, due to its creamy dressing, it's best eaten within this time frame as the texture may change after a few days.

Serve your tomato basil pasta salad on a platter or individual plates with some fresh bread alongside for dunking if you desire an extra touch of comfort food experience!

Conclusion

A simple yet sophisticated tomato basil pasta salad is more than just another dish—it's the perfect accompaniment to a sunny day, whether enjoyed at home or outdoors. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it ideal for all occasions.

Try this recipe today, and you'll quickly understand why so many people love this meal. Enjoy your meal!