Summer Sunshine Pasta Salad: Bursting with Tomatoes and Peas! 🌞🍅

Absolutely! Let’s dive into crafting a delectable Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Peas, a delightful celebration of summer’s vibrant produce, all enveloped in a tangy homemade vinaigrette. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, serving a generous 10 to 12 guests. 🍅🌿

Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Peas

🕒 Timing:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

🥗 Ingredients:

📝 Instructions:

1. Boil the Pasta:

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   • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil.
   • Add the medium pasta shells and cook until they are perfectly al dente.
   • Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.

2. Whisk the Vinaigrette:

   • Grab a spacious bowl for your dressing.
   • Whisk together the white wine vinegar, water, salt, sugar, chopped fresh tarragon, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of pepper to your taste.
   • As you whisk, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture becomes beautifully emulsified.

3. Combine Everything:

   • Now comes the fun part! In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the peas.
   • Add in the yellow pear tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, and torn fresh basil leaves.
   • Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are coated in that tangy, herbaceous vinaigrette.

4. Chill and Serve:

   • For optimal flavor melding, cover the pasta salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
   • Once it’s nicely chilled, give it a quick toss to recombine the flavors and adjust the seasoning if needed.

5. Presentation:

   • When ready to serve, transfer the pasta salad to a festive serving dish.
   • Garnish with a few extra fresh basil leaves or some grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flair.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions:

• This Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Peas is a standout star at any summer gathering.
• Serve it alongside grilled chicken, fish, or even as a hearty vegetarian main dish.
• It also makes a lovely addition to picnics, potlucks, or as a refreshing side at barbecues.

🌞 Tips for Success:

• To save time, you can prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use.
• If fresh tarragon is unavailable, you can use all dried tarragon or substitute with another fresh herb like basil or parsley.
• Customize the salad with your favorite veggies or add-ins such as diced bell peppers, olives, or even cubed cheese.

🥂 Wine Pairing:

• This vibrant salad pairs wonderfully with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio.
• For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or a fruity iced tea would complement the flavors beautifully.

📖 Recipe Notes:

• Nutritional Information per serving (serving size: 1 cup):
  • Calories: 299.2
  • Total Fat: 11.7g
    • Saturated Fat: 1.6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 530.9mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40.9g
    • Dietary Fiber: 3.6g
    • Total Sugars: 4.7g
  • Protein: 8g

🍅 Kitchen Confidence:

• Don’t be afraid to play around with the ingredients! Add some grilled chicken for extra protein or toss in some feta cheese for a tangy bite.
• This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh but will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle toss before serving.

This Pasta Salad with Tomatoes and Peas recipe is a true celebration of summer’s bounty, bursting with vibrant colors and flavors that will delight your taste buds. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a refreshing dish to enjoy on a warm day, this salad is sure to impress! 🌿🍅