Balsamic Vinegar Pasta Salad

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If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal, a balsamic vinegar pasta salad might be just what you need. This dish is bursting with flavor and can be whipped up in no time. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck gathering.

You get to enjoy fresh veggies and herbs with a tangy balsamic kick. It’s not just nourishing but delightfully colorful, making it pleasing to both the eyes and the palate.

Get your ingredients ready and prepare to impress your taste buds and friends alike with this easy and satisfying recipe.

Tool Requirements

To make this balsamic vinegar pasta salad, you’ll need a few basic tools.

In the kitchen, a large pot is necessary for boiling the pasta. Once cooked, you’ll need a colander to drain it.

A mixing bowl is where you’ll combine all the ingredients. A whisk can help mix the dressing smoothly.

For chopping vegetables, a sharp knife and a cutting board are must-haves. Make sure your knife is nice and sharp to make the job easier.

A serving spoon will come in handy to mix everything together and to serve the salad neatly.

Using measuring cups and spoons ensures you add the right amounts of ingredients, which is crucial for taste.

Having a good set of kitchen towels can be helpful for wiping your hands and keeping your workspace clean.

With these tools, you’re ready to whip up your pasta salad! Enjoy the process and have fun with your creation.

Preparing The Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need pasta, ideally something like rotini or penne. These hold the dressing well. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then rinse it under cold water to cool it down.

Next, grab some fresh vegetables. Chop up tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. It’s good to keep them small so they mix well with the pasta. You can also add some red onion for a bit of a kick.

For a bit of creaminess, cube some avocado. Make sure it’s ripe but firm. If you’re feeling fancy, toss in some black olives or artichoke hearts for added flavor.

Now, for the dressing, pour some balsamic vinegar into a bowl. Add olive oil, salt, and pepper, then whisk it all together. Taste it and adjust to your liking. If you like a bit of sweetness, mix in a pinch of sugar or maple syrup.

Finally, grab some fresh basil. Tear the leaves with your hands instead of chopping. This helps keep their flavor intact. Toss everything gently in a big bowl with the pasta.

Serving Suggestions

When serving your pasta salad, think about freshness and color. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top can make it pop. They add a nice aroma and even more flavor to each bite.

You might want to pair this salad with crisp, toasted bread. The crunch goes nicely with the soft pasta. It’s perfect for soaking up that delicious balsamic dressing.

If you’re hosting a larger meal, you can serve the pasta salad as a side dish. It pairs well with grilled veggies or a hearty plant-based burger.

Try using a colorful mix of pasta shapes for a fun twist. Spirals or bow ties add a playful touch to your dish.

To make it a little fancier, serve the salad in individual bowls. Dress it up with a slice of lemon on the side for a fresh, zesty look.

Storage Tips

• Your salad is best kept in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and flavorful. Make sure the lid is sealed tightly to prevent any air from getting in.
• Store your salad in the fridge if you want to enjoy it later. This keeps the ingredients crisp and tasty. A cold environment helps the salad last longer and maintains its quality.
• Before you dig in, give your pasta salad a quick stir. This way, the dressing is evenly distributed. If the pasta seems a bit dry, add a splash more of balsamic vinegar or some olive oil to bring it back to life.
• Try to eat your salad within 3 to 4 days. The fresher, the better! If you notice any changes in smell or color, it’s time to toss it out. Enjoy your salad at its peak for the best taste experience.

Balsamic Vinegar Pasta Salad

This easy balsamic vinegar pasta salad is exactly what you're looking for! It's filled with a bunch of veggies and you can add your favorite type of pasta. Serve it as a vegan pasta salad recipe that's simple to make and is perfectly suitable for lunch or dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine Italian

Servings 2 servings

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

  

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• 2 cups of pasta rotini or penne
• 1 cup of tomatoes chopped
• 1 cucumber chopped
• 1 bell pepper chopped
• 1/2 red onion chopped
• 1 avocado cubed
• 1/4 cup of black olives or artichoke hearts optional
• 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon of sugar or maple syrup optional
• 2 tablespoons of fresh basil torn

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Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
• Rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
• Chop the tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper into bite-sized pieces.
• Chop the red onion.
• Cube the avocado.
• If using, add black olives or artichoke hearts.
• Pour balsamic vinegar into a bowl.
• Add olive oil, salt, and pepper to the bowl.
• Whisk the dressing ingredients together.
• Taste the dressing and adjust to your liking, adding sugar or maple syrup if desired.
• Tear the fresh basil leaves with your hands.
• Combine the pasta, chopped vegetables, avocado, and optional ingredients in a large bowl.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything gently.
• Serve the pasta salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcal

Keyword Vegan

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stefan K.

Stefan has been vegan since 2019 and has been regularly working on his strength since the beginning of 2023. He’s on a mission to help other vegans get stronger and have all of them achieve the quality of life they deserve.