Italian Main Salads Sides

Tomato and Basil Penne Salad

This Tomato and Basil Penne Salad is an explosion of flavor in every bite. The juicy cherry tomatoes burst in your mouth with a sweet and slightly tangy flavor that perfectly complements the rich and nutty taste of the penne pasta. The fresh basil leaves bring a refreshing and aromatic herbaceous note that balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and adds an extra layer of complexity to the dish.

The dressing is a perfect balance of olive oil and red wine vinegar, with just the right amount of minced garlic to give it a slight kick. It coats the pasta and vegetables evenly, infusing every ingredient with its zesty and tangy flavor.

The texture of this salad is also delightful. The al dente penne pasta provides a satisfying chewiness that contrasts with the tender and juicy cherry tomatoes. The chopped basil leaves add a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness to every bite.

Tomato and Basil Penne Salad

I Love Tomato and Basil Penne Salad

As a wife and mom, I’m always on the lookout for delicious and easy-to-make recipes that the whole family will love. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my all-time favorite pasta salad recipe – Tomato and Basil Penne Salad.

This dish has become a staple in our home, and for good reason. It’s quick and easy to make, bursting with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday afternoon, a backyard barbecue, or a busy weeknight dinner, this salad never disappoints.

What I love most about this salad is how versatile it is. You can easily switch up the ingredients to match your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand in your pantry. Add some grilled chicken for a heartier meal, or some chopped onions for a tangy kick. The possibilities are endless!

And the best part? This salad is incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table in no time. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or when you just don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.

So, what are you waiting for? Try out this Tomato and Basil Penne Salad recipe today and experience the deliciousness for yourself!

Tomato and Basil Penne Salad

Satisfy Your Taste Buds

Tomato and Basil Penne Salad is a dish that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. The combination of sweet cherry tomatoes and nutty penne pasta creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With each bite, the juicy tomatoes burst in your mouth, complementing the pasta’s earthy and nutty taste. The fresh basil leaves add an extra layer of complexity to the dish, providing a refreshing and delightful crunch to the salad.

The dressing is what sets this recipe apart. A perfect blend of olive oil, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic coats the pasta and vegetables evenly, infusing every ingredient with its zesty and tangy flavor. The result is a salad that’s bursting with flavor and is sure to please even the most discerning palates.

What’s more, this recipe is incredibly easy to make, with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or a fancy dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easily customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients to your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand in your pantry.

What to eat with Tomato and Basil Penne Salad

Tomato and Basil Penne Salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with many different foods. Here are some delicious and complementary options to consider:

  1. Grilled Chicken – Adding grilled chicken to this pasta salad is a great way to make it a heartier and more filling meal. The tender and juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the fresh and flavorful ingredients of the salad.
  2. Garlic Bread – The combination of warm and toasty garlic bread with the cool and refreshing pasta salad is a match made in heaven. The bread’s buttery and garlicky flavors complement the zesty dressing of the salad.
  3. Grilled Vegetables Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers are a great side dish to serve alongside this pasta salad. The smoky and charred flavors of the vegetables provide a nice contrast to the bright and fresh flavors of the salad.
  4. Crusty Bread – A loaf of crusty bread is the perfect accompaniment to this pasta salad. Use it to soak up any extra dressing or simply to add some extra texture to each bite.
  5. Bruschetta – Bruschetta is a classic Italian appetizer that pairs well with Tomato and Basil Penne Salad. The tomato and basil topping on the bruschetta complements the flavors of the pasta salad, while the crispy bread provides a satisfying crunch.

Overall, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to serving Tomato and Basil Penne Salad. Whether you choose to pair it with grilled chicken, garlic bread, grilled vegetables, crusty bread, or bruschetta, this dish is sure to be a hit.

Tomato and Basil Penne Salad

Equipment is Needed to make Tomato and Basil Penne Salad

To make Tomato and Basil Penne Salad, you’ll need the following equipment:

  1. Large pot – to cook the penne pasta until al dente.
  2. Colander – to drain the cooked pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  3. Cutting board – to chop the cherry tomatoes into halves.
  4. Sharp knife – to cut the cherry tomatoes into halves and chop the fresh basil leaves.
  5. Mixing bowl to combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves.
  6. Whisk – to whisk together the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl.
  7. Measuring cups and spoons – to measure the ingredients for the dressing accurately.
  8. Serving dish – to serve the finished Tomato and Basil Penne Salad.

Overall, the equipment required to make this recipe is basic and easily accessible. Most home cooks will likely already have all of these items in their kitchen.

Tomato and Basil Penne Salad

How to Make Tomato and Basil Penne Salad

This Tomato and Basil Penne Salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful and satisfying meal that’s sure to please your taste buds. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a side dish for a summer barbecue, or a quick and easy dinner, this pasta salad is the perfect choice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound penne pasta
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked penne, cherry tomatoes, and chopped basil.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill the pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Before serving, give the pasta salad a quick stir and adjust the seasoning if needed.

This penne tomato basil salad is a perfect side dish for any summer barbecue, picnic, or potluck. It’s also great as a light and refreshing main course for lunch or dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious pasta salad on the table in no time! With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress your friends and family. So why not give it a try today and enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal that’s bursting with flavor!

Tomato and Basil Penne Salad

Tips to make the prefect Tomato and Basil Penne Salad

Here are some tips to help you make the perfect Tomato and Basil Penne Salad:

  1. Cook the pasta al dente: Overcooking the pasta can make it mushy and less appetizing. Be sure to check the package instructions and cook the pasta until it is just tender, with a slight bite.
  2. Rinse the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, be sure to rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
  3. Use fresh and ripe cherry tomatoes: The flavor of this dish depends heavily on the quality of the cherry tomatoes. Choose ones that are ripe, juicy, and full of flavor.
  4. Use high-quality olive oil: The dressing for this pasta salad is simple but delicious, and it relies on high-quality olive oil for its rich and fruity flavor.
  5. Add the dressing just before serving: To keep the pasta salad from getting soggy, it’s best to add the dressing just before serving. This will ensure that the pasta stays fresh and flavorful.
  6. Let the salad chill: Once you’ve mixed the ingredients together, it’s a good idea to let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will give the flavors time to meld together and create a more delicious end result.
  7. Adjust the seasoning to taste: The recipe above provides a good balance of flavors, but feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. You can add more salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed to achieve your preferred taste.

How to store the Tomato and Basil Penne Salad

To store Tomato and Basil Penne Salad, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to note that the longer the pasta sits, the softer it will become, so it’s best to enjoy it within the first day or two.

Appetizers & Entrees
Appetizers & Entrees
Tomato and Basil Penne Salad
Tomato and Basil Penne Salad
Tomato and Basil Penne Salad
Appetizers & Entrees

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At Appetizers & Entrees, we're all about bringing people together with our dishes. From creamy pastas to crispy appetizers, there's something for everyone. Gather your loved ones and let's start cooking!

11 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Thank you for sharing the recipe for the Tomato and Basil Penne Salad. It looks delicious and perfect for a summer day. I can’t wait to try it out!

  2. 5 stars
    Perfect salad. I’m not a tomato gal but this one look good and I like that it’s easy to create. Especially on a summer day when you don’t want to eat anything heavy, this would be just right.

  3. 5 stars
    This looks absolutely delicious and I am for sure making this with some whole wheat pasta! I finally tried it and totally love it! My husband will absolutely love this delicious dish!

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