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Tomato Orecchiette Pasta Salad

Tomato Orecchiette Pasta Salad
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Tomato Orecchiette Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and effortlessly delicious dish combining tender orecchiette pasta with juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a tangy olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, summer gatherings, or as a bright side dish, it offers a refreshing and satisfying mix of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Orecchiette pasta – 8 ounces

Vegetables & Herbs

  • Cherry or grape tomatoes – 2 cups, halved
  • Red onion – 1 small, thinly sliced
  • Fresh basil leaves – 1/2 cup, roughly chopped

Dressing

  • Extra virgin olive oil – 1/4 cup
  • Red wine vinegar – 2 tablespoons
  • Garlic – 1 clove, minced
  • Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon (adjust to taste)

Optional

  • Fresh mozzarella balls (bocconcini) – 1/2 cup

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cooks, halve the tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Pick and roughly chop fresh basil leaves to release full aroma and flavor.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well emulsified and balanced.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooled pasta with the tomatoes, red onion, basil, and optional mozzarella balls. Pour the dressing over and gently mix to coat everything evenly.
  5. Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the flavors marry well. Serve cold or at room temperature for the best taste experience.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta; keep it al dente for texture.
  • Let the salad marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to blend flavors.
  • Adjust salt and acidity to your taste for perfect balance.
  • Add mozzarella or other cheeses gently to maintain texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tomato pasta salad, Orecchiette salad, Summer pasta salad, Easy pasta salad, Italian pasta salad

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/tomato-orecchiette-pasta-salad/