Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that's both healthy and satisfying? Look no further! This Tuscan pasta salad is a delightful medley of fresh ingredients, bursting with the bright tastes of sun-drenched Italy. It’s the perfect quick dinner idea, a fantastic addition to your next picnic, or a delightful side dish for any occasion. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking, even for beginners. Get ready to experience a taste of Tuscany without leaving your kitchen!
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
This recipe effortlessly blends simplicity with deliciousness. You'll need:
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne work well)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Culinary Journey
Let's embark on creating this delightful Tuscan pasta salad!
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside to cool.
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Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Pit and halve the Kalamata olives. Chop the fresh basil and parsley.
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Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
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Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, feta cheese, basil, and parsley. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
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Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a truly delicious pasta salad. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips and Variations: Adding Your Personal Touch
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Pasta Choice: Feel free to experiment with different pasta shapes. Fusilli, farfalle, or even shells would work beautifully.
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Veggies Galore: Add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cucumbers for extra color and nutrition.
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Protein Boost: Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp can be added for a heartier meal.
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Cheese Please: Goat cheese or parmesan cheese are delicious alternatives to feta.
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Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a recipe yielding 6 servings and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Protein: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Fiber: 4-5g
This Tuscan pasta salad is a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any occasion. It’s a great healthy meal option that's packed with flavor and texture. It’s a delicious and easy recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy this taste of the Italian countryside in every bite.