Spicy Tomato Pasta Salad
Bold, zesty, and refreshingly versatile, this Spicy Tomato Pasta Salad is a vibrant twist on a classic summer favorite. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick weeknight side dish, this recipe pairs tender al dente pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a fiery kick of red chili pepper. Tossed in a tangy garlic-balsamic dressing with a hint of red pepper flakes, this pasta salad is finished with fragrant fresh basil and an optional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a make-ahead dish that’s bursting with fresh ingredients and bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Serve it cold or at room temperature for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 300 grams pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 250 grams cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium red onion
- 1 small red chili pepper
- 15 grams fresh basil leaves
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 0.5 teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, finely slice the red onion, and chop the red chili pepper into small pieces. Remove the seeds from the chili if you prefer less heat.
Mince the garlic cloves and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chili pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to make the dressing.
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
Roughly tear the basil leaves and add them to the salad. Toss gently to combine.
If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor before serving.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
437 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.0 g | 19% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.0 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 5 mg | 2% | |
| Sodium | 682 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 63.4 g | 23% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.2 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 15.4 g | 31% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 176 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 3.0 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 315 mg | 7% | |
*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.
