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Easy Fresh Pasta Salad Recipe with 7 Simple Ingredients to Try Today

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A quick and easy fresh pasta salad made with simple ingredients, perfect for a light and flavorful meal in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, peeled and diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste a piece to check doneness.
  2. While pasta cooks, halve 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, dice 1 medium cucumber (peeled), finely chop 1/4 cup red onion (rinse if desired), and roughly chop 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves.
  3. Drain pasta in a colander and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool it down.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Transfer the cooled pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and basil. Pour the dressing over everything. Gently toss with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula until evenly coated.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to let flavors marry, or serve immediately.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente and rinse immediately with cold water to prevent sogginess. Soak red onion in cold water for 5 minutes if you want to mellow its bite. Toss gently to keep pasta intact and veggies crisp. Let salad rest for 10 minutes for flavors to meld or serve immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, easy pasta salad, fresh pasta salad, simple pasta salad, quick dinner, vegetarian pasta salad

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