Description
Easy Penne Basil Pasta Salad is a bright and refreshing summertime dish combining perfectly cooked penne pasta with fresh basil and a colorful mix of garden vegetables, tossed in a tangy, zesty dressing. This plant-based salad is quick to make, visually appealing, and perfect for any outdoor gathering or casual meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 250g high-quality penne pasta
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, whole or torn gently
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Penne: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta well and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking and cool it for the salad.
- Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, chop the cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion. Gently tear or keep whole the fresh basil leaves to preserve their aroma.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified, creating a bright and tangy dressing.
- Combine and Toss: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled penne pasta, chopped vegetables, and fresh basil. Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without bruising the basil.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a refreshing and colorful dish ideal for summer.
Notes
- Use fresh basil leaves for the best aroma and flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta to maintain its texture.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor as the dressing soaks in.
- Toss the salad gently to avoid bruising the basil leaves.
- Adjust seasoning with extra lemon juice, salt, or vegetarian Worcestershire sauce to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Penne Pasta Salad, Basil Pasta Salad, Summer Salad, Plant-Based Salad, Easy Pasta Salad, Vegetarian Pasta Salad
