Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

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Looking for a fresh, easy meal? Try a tomato basil pasta salad. Packed with juicy tomatoes, fresh basil, and a zesty dressing, this dish bursts with flavor. It’s perfect for lunch or a quick, light dinner.

This pasta salad is not only tasty but also simple to make. You can enjoy it warm or cold, making it a great option for any season. Healthy and versatile, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Tool Requirements

For making a tasty pasta salad, you’ll want to gather a few simple tools. A large pot is great for cooking your pasta. Make sure it’s big enough so your pasta can move around freely as it cooks.

You’ll need a colander to drain the pasta once it’s done. This helps you get rid of excess water quickly. A mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients together. Pick a size that gives you enough room to mix without spilling.

Using a sharp knife, you’ll chop up fresh basil and tomatoes. A cutting board will keep your counters safe and make chopping easier. For blending other ingredients, a small whisk or fork can help mix dressings or other liquids.

If you want to chill your salad, a refrigerator is also useful. A serving spoon can help when you’re ready to dish out your creation. These basic tools will keep your salad-making process smooth and easy. Enjoy your cooking!

Preparing The Ingredients

First, grab some fresh tomatoes. You’ll want them ripe and juicy. Wash them well and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Next, take a bunch of fresh basil. Rinse it gently and pat dry. Tear the leaves into small bits with your fingers. This keeps the flavor strong and fresh.

For the pasta, use whatever shape you like. Short pastas work great for salads. Cook it according to the package instructions, then rinse and cool it under cold water.

Now, grab a clove of garlic. Peel it and chop it finely. This will add a nice punch to your salad.

For extra flavor, get some olive oil and vinegar ready. You’ll use these to make a simple dressing. A pinch of salt and pepper can go a long way, too.

Remember to have everything ready before you start mixing. This makes the process quick and easy when assembling later.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve your tomato basil pasta salad as a main dish or a refreshing side. If you’re having a picnic, it makes a great addition to your spread. Try it alongside grilled veggies for extra flavor.
• Pair with crunchy garlic bread for a tasty combination. A tall glass of iced tea or lemonade complements it well, keeping everything light and refreshing.
• To make it a more filling meal, add a few slices of avocado on top. You can also sprinkle some nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost. A side of mixed greens fits perfectly too.

Storage Tips

• Keep your pasta salad fresh by storing it in an airtight container. This helps preserve the flavors and keeps it from drying out. If you’ve added ingredients like avocado, try to store those separately or add them just before serving to keep them fresh.
• Store the salad in the fridge. It will stay tasty for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure your fridge is set at a cold enough temperature. If the salad has been out for more than two hours, it’s best to toss it to avoid any risk.
• Before serving again, give the pasta salad a good stir. You might want to add a bit more dressing to refresh its taste. If you’re in a hurry, just grab a fork and dig in straight from the container!

Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

This tomato basil pasta salad is the dish you're looking for! This easy and healthy pasta salad recipe won't take long to make, is delicious, and can be stored easily for later. If you want a vegan pasta salad recipe for lunch, as a side dish, or dinner, try this one out!

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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 140 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 ripe tomatoes
• 1 bunch of fresh basil
• 1 cup of short pasta penne, fusilli, etc.
• 1 clove of garlic
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

 

• Wash and chop 2 ripe tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
• Rinse and pat dry a bunch of fresh basil, then tear the leaves into small bits.
• Cook 1 cup of short pasta according to package instructions.
• Rinse and cool cooked pasta under cold water.
• Peel and finely chop 1 clove of garlic.
• Mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of vinegar in a small bowl.
• Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the dressing.
• Combine chopped tomatoes, torn basil leaves, cooled pasta, and finely chopped garlic in a large bowl.
• Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to mix.

Nutrition

Calories: 140kcal

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.