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Easy Fresh Pasta Salad Recipe with 6 Simple Ingredients to Impress

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A quick and simple fresh pasta salad made with just six ingredients, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light dinners. This recipe balances fresh veggies, al dente pasta, and a bright lemon-olive oil dressing for a satisfying and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces short pasta (such as rotini or penne)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from one medium lemon)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt to the water.
  2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside to drain completely.
  4. While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and tear the fresh basil leaves.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  6. In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and basil. Pour the dressing over and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  7. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  8. If time allows, cover and chill the salad for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Otherwise, serve immediately.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness. Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Toss salad gently to avoid bruising basil or crushing tomatoes. Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to taste. Chill for 15-20 minutes if possible to meld flavors. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and toss before serving again.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, easy pasta salad, fresh pasta salad, quick salad, summer salad, picnic recipe, simple ingredients, healthy salad

Find it online: https://snappyspoon.com/easy-fresh-pasta-salad-recipe-with-6-simple-ingredients-to-impress/