Description
Tuscan Pasta Salad is a deliciously vibrant dish that brings the flavors of Italy to your table. Packed with fresh cherry tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, zesty olives, and aromatic basil, this pasta salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or a light lunch. It’s quick to prepare and allows for easy customization based on your preferences. Experience a burst of Mediterranean flavors in every bite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz farfalle or penne pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 8 oz fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini or ciliegine)
- 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
- While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes in half and slice the red onion thinly.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, olives, red onion, and basil. Toss gently.
- Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinegar over the salad. Season with salt and pepper; toss again until evenly coated.
- If not serving immediately, cover and chill for about an hour to meld flavors.
- Serve in a bowl or on plates, adding more olive oil and basil as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required except for pasta
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 340mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 25mg