Homemade Summer Pasta Salad Recipe with Fresh Herbs
This Homemade Summer Pasta Salad is the perfect dish to keep you refreshed during the warm summer months. With chilled pasta tossed in fragrant olive oil and mixed with vibrant, crisp vegetables, it’s a deliciously light and healthy option for any meal. You can use any type of pasta you prefer, whether it’s Fusilli, Farfalle, or Penne – all will add their own charm to the salad. The key ingredients in this dish, like the colorful bell peppers, cucumber, and fresh basil, bring out the full essence of summer in every bite. For an added protein boost, consider adding roasted sausage or grilled chicken. This vegetarian pasta salad makes for a perfect dinner or lunch, and its bold flavors will surely satisfy everyone at the table.
Cuisine: Italian
Course: Dinner
Diet: Vegetarian
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fettuccine Pasta | 250 grams |
| Black Olives (pitted) | 1/2 cup |
| Red Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2, cut into wedges |
| Yellow Bell Pepper (Capsicum) | 1/2, cut into wedges |
| Red Onion | 1, thinly sliced |
| Cherry Tomatoes | 1 cup, halved |
| Cucumber | 1/2 cup, thinly cut into wedges |
| Green Romaine Lettuce | 1/2 cup, roughly torn |
| Fresh Basil Leaves | 1 sprig |
For the Dressing:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | 3 tablespoons |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Whole Black Peppercorns | 1 teaspoon, coarsely pounded |
| Red Chilli Flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling the fettuccine pasta in salted water, following the package instructions. Cook the pasta until it reaches al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the pasta to prevent it from sticking and toss to coat evenly. Set aside and refrigerate for about two hours to chill.
-
Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, prepare the fresh vegetables. Cut the bell peppers into wedges, slice the red onion thinly, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the cucumber into thin wedges. Tear the green romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and set everything aside.
-
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, Italian seasoning, coarsely ground black pepper, red chili flakes, and salt. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
-
Assemble the Salad: When you’re ready to serve, place the chilled pasta into a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared vegetables along with the fresh basil leaves. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss everything together gently until evenly coated.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Homemade Summer Pasta Salad immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. This dish pairs wonderfully with a glass of chilled white wine and a bowl of minestrone soup for a light yet satisfying summer meal. Alternatively, pack it into your lunchbox for a refreshing workday lunch.
Tips & Variations
- Protein Boost: For a more filling meal, add some roasted sausage or grilled chicken to the pasta salad for extra protein.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs like parsley or oregano if basil isn’t available. Fresh mint also works beautifully in this salad.
- Cheese Add-ins: If you’re not strictly vegetarian, consider adding crumbled feta, goat cheese, or parmesan for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250-300 kcal |
| Protein | 5-7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35-40 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-4 g |
| Sugars | 3-5 g |
| Fat | 12-14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2-3 g |
| Sodium | 300-400 mg |
Homemade Summer Pasta Salad with Fresh Herbs is not only a breeze to make but also a perfect dish to cool off with during the hot months. Its refreshing flavors, combined with a zesty dressing, make it a summer favorite for gatherings, picnics, or even as a side dish at barbecues. So, gather your fresh ingredients and enjoy the tastes of the season in every bite!
