Bright, refreshing, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors, this Fettuccine Tomato and Basil Salad is the perfect fusion of light pasta and vibrant summer ingredients. Featuring tender al dente fettuccine, juicy cherry tomatoes, fragrant fresh basil, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, this dish is both simple and elegant. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a rich, savory touch, while a hint of garlic ties it all together. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile recipe makes an ideal quick lunch, picnic side, or light dinner. Serve it fresh or chilled for an even more robust flavor. Perfect for pasta salad lovers craving a bright, herb-forward twist, this salad is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and place them in a large mixing bowl.
Finely mince the garlic cloves and add them to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes.
Stack the basil leaves, roll them into a tight bundle, and slice them into thin ribbons (chiffonade). Add the basil to the mixing bowl.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Add the cooked, cooled fettuccine to the mixing bowl with the tomatoes and basil.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss again lightly to combine.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish with a few extra basil leaves before serving, if desired.
Calories |
1198 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 71.6 g | 92% | |
| Saturated Fat | 17.9 g | 89% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 50 mg | 17% | |
| Sodium | 2062 mg | 90% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 106.0 g | 39% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.0 g | 29% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.6 g | ||
| Protein | 39.3 g | 79% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 651 mg | 50% | |
| Iron | 5.8 mg | 32% | |
| Potassium | 991 mg | 21% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.