Best Pasta Salad
This fresh and easy pasta salad is full of bright flavors, making it perfect for picnics, lunches, or as a side dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz Pasta Any small shape like rotini, fusilli, or penne works well.
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved.
- 1 medium Cucumber Diced.
- 1 medium Bell pepper Chopped.
- 1/2 medium Red onion Chopped.
- 1/3 cup Olive oil Extra virgin preferred.
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice Freshly squeezed.
- 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 tsp Pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese Grated, add just before serving.
- 1/4 cup Fresh basil Chopped, add just before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
- Chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped vegetables.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and toss to combine.
Serving
- Add grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil just before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
Serve the Best Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. Garnish with extra basil and more Parmesan for a nice presentation. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days, but is best eaten the same day for crisp vegetables. Stir before serving if dressing settles.