Why Make This Recipe
Delicious Tomato Garlic Pasta Salad is a quick and easy dish perfect for any occasion. This salad combines fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, garlic, and basil with pasta and mozzarella for a tasty meal. It’s light, refreshing, and can be served as a side or a main dish. Whether you’re hosting a picnic, attending a potluck, or simply craving something flavorful, this recipe is a great choice.
How to Make Delicious Tomato Garlic Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (any shape)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup mozzarella balls, halved
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
How to Serve Delicious Tomato Garlic Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. You can place it in a large bowl and serve it family-style or portion it out into individual servings. It pairs well with grilled meats, sandwiches, or can be enjoyed on its own as a light meal.
How to Store Delicious Tomato Garlic Pasta Salad
To store leftovers, place the pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days. If the salad becomes dry after a day or two, you can add a little more olive oil or balsamic vinegar to bring back its flavor.
Tips to Make Delicious Tomato Garlic Pasta Salad
- Use your favorite pasta shape to customize the texture.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for more crunch.
- If you prefer a creamier dressing, mix in a dollop of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Variation
You can change this salad up by adding grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. Another option is to use different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and add the dressing just before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs if you don’t have fresh ones. Just use less, as dried herbs are more concentrated.
Enjoy making your Delicious Tomato Garlic Pasta Salad!
Delicious Tomato Garlic Pasta Salad
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta
- 1 pint Cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cloves Garlic minced
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil chopped
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese shredded
Dressing
- 0.25 cup Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Red wine vinegar
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water, then set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil to the bowl with the dressing.
- Toss gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese before serving. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
