Tomato Basil and Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Bursting with vibrant flavors and Mediterranean charm, this Tomato Basil and Mozzarella Pasta Salad is the perfect recipe for a quick and refreshing meal or side dish. Featuring tender penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy fresh mozzarella, and fragrant basil leaves, it’s dressed in a zesty blend of extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic for a tangy finish. Ready in just 25 minutes, this easy pasta salad strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and sophistication. Ideal for outdoor picnics, potlucks, or a light weeknight dinner, it can be served fresh or chilled. Sprinkle with optional Parmesan for an extra layer of indulgence, and watch it become a crowd favorite!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 350 grams Penne pasta
- 250 grams Cherry tomatoes
- 200 grams Fresh mozzarella balls
- 20 grams Fresh basil leaves
- 60 milliliters Extra virgin olive oil
- 30 milliliters Balsamic vinegar
- 1 clove Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 20 grams Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool, then set aside.
While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.
Drain the fresh mozzarella balls and gently pat them dry with a paper towel. If the mozzarella balls are large, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Wash the fresh basil leaves and pat them dry with a clean towel. Set aside a few whole leaves for garnish and chop the rest into thin ribbons.
Prepare the dressing by combining the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until emulsified.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, and chopped basil.
Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Transfer the pasta salad to a serving dish, garnish with whole basil leaves and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving for a chilled version.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
433 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 25.8 g | 33% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 679 mg | 30% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 33.3 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6 g | 9% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.2 g | ||
| Protein | 16.7 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 337 mg | 26% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 286 mg | 6% | |
*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.
