Pasta and Pine Nut Salad with Gluten Free Option
Indulge in a fresh and vibrant Pasta and Pine Nut Salad that’s perfect for summer gatherings or everyday meals, complete with a simple gluten-free option. This colorful dish combines al dente pasta—regular or gluten-free—with juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and finely diced red onion, all tossed in a zesty lemon-garlic dressing. Toasted pine nuts add a delightfully nutty crunch, while fresh basil offers a fragrant, herbal touch. Optional Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor for an irresistible finish. Quick and easy to prepare in just 25 minutes, this versatile salad is ideal for serving chilled or at room temperature, making it a go-to recipe for picnics, potlucks, or light lunches.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 250 grams Pasta (regular or gluten-free)
- 200 grams Cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium Cucumber, diced
- 1 small Red onion, finely diced
- 40 grams Pine nuts
- 15 grams Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 Garlic clove, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper, freshly ground
- 30 grams Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. If using gluten-free pasta, be sure to note the specific cooking time to avoid overcooking. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool.
While the pasta is cooking, toast the pine nuts. Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat and add the pine nuts. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely diced red onion, and chopped basil leaves.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Add the toasted pine nuts to the salad and gently fold them in. If desired, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for additional flavor.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1216 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.3 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.5 g | 72% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 24 mg | 8% | |
| Sodium | 1672 mg | 73% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 95.3 g | 35% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.2 g | 36% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.1 g | ||
| Protein | 33.9 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 446 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 7.8 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 1250 mg | 27% | |
*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.
