Perfectly Balanced Tomato Basil Pasta Salad Recipe

A refreshing and tasty alternative to traditional pasta dishes is the tomato basil pasta salad. This recipe offers a delightful mix of flavors that will keep your taste buds happy while providing you with a healthy meal option. Perfect for summer gatherings or a light dinner, this dish can be prepared in just 30 minutes and serves four people.

To begin, gather all the necessary ingredients: cooked pasta (16 oz), cherry tomatoes (4 cups), fresh basil leaves (1 cup), red onion (1/2 cup diced), cucumber (1 medium sliced), and olive oil. You will also need a small amount of salt and pepper for seasoning.

1. Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and cool by running cold water over it or placing in a colander and placing it under cold water for 10 seconds at a time, shaking between each rinse.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, cucumber slices, and fresh basil leaves.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes so that flavors can meld together before serving cold as a side dish or main course.

Tomato basil pasta salad is not only delicious but also nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals from its various ingredients. The cherry tomatoes provide vitamin C and antioxidants; cucumbers offer hydration benefits due to their high water content; red onions contribute natural sugars and fiber; while fresh basil adds iron along with antioxidants.

This versatile dish can be customized based on personal preferences or dietary requirements. For those who prefer less spice, simply reduce the amount of olive oil used during preparation. Vegans might consider using a vegan-friendly pasta and omitting any Parmesan cheese if desired. Those watching their sodium intake could opt for low-sodium versions of condiments like soy sauce or tamari instead.

For a slightly different take on this classic recipe, you can experiment with other additions such as mozzarella balls (16 oz), crumbled feta cheese (1/2 cup), grilled chicken strips, or even grilled shrimp. To incorporate these optional ingredients into the salad, first prepare them separately following their respective cooking directions.

Firstly, for grilling chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat; brush lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the chicken on the hot grates and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let it rest briefly before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Secondly, regarding shrimp: Peel off the shells but leave tails intact; season generously with salt and pepper. Toss quickly over medium heat in a pan with butter until pink and firm throughout—only about 3-4 minutes total cooking time.

Lastly, for mozzarella or feta cheese: If using fresh mozzarella balls, cut them into smaller pieces after they have cooled down from boiling. For feta cubes, simply break them up by hand until they reach desired size.

After preparing any extra components mentioned above, proceed to mix these additions into your main salad once everything has chilled appropriately in the fridge for 20 minutes or more. This ensures every ingredient gets evenly distributed and absorbs flavor throughout.

The nutritional content of this dish depends on individual choices regarding optional extras but generally provides a balanced meal rich in essential nutrients. It satisfies both health-conscious eaters seeking wholesome ingredients as well as those looking for something more indulgent like cheese and protein-packed components.

To conclude, tomato basil pasta salad is an easy-to-make yet impressive option when entertaining friends or family members at home. Its versatility allows creativity in tailoring it towards specific tastes and dietary needs while maintaining its overall appeal across all occasions.