Refreshing Pasta Salad with Mozzarella, Olives, and Tomatoes
Description
Embrace the vibrant flavors of summer with this delightful Pasta Salad featuring fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and briny olives. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or potlucks, this salad shines when tomatoes are at their ripest and basil is fragrant. Although this dish can be enjoyed at room temperature, allowing it to chill for several hours will enhance the melding of flavors, resulting in a refreshing and satisfying salad that everyone will love.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh mozzarella cheese | 1/2 pound |
| Tomatoes | 4 medium |
| Kalamata olives | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic cloves | 3 cloves |
| Fresh basil | 6 leaves |
| Fresh flat-leaf parsley | 1/4 cup |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1/2 cup |
| Red wine vinegar | 1/4 cup |
| Corkscrew macaroni | 1 1/2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 734 |
| Total Fat | 29.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Cholesterol | 29.9 mg |
| Sodium | 348.6 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 92.2 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g |
| Sugars | 5.6 g |
| Protein | 24.6 g |
Instructions
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Prepare the Salad Base: Begin by combining the fresh mozzarella, chopped tomatoes, and sliced kalamata olives in a large mixing bowl. Gently toss the ingredients to ensure they are evenly distributed.
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Make the Dressing: In a tightly fitting jar, combine the minced garlic, fresh basil leaves, chopped parsley, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously until the mixture is well blended and emulsified.
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Set Dressing Aside: Once the dressing is prepared, set it aside to allow the flavors to develop further while you cook the pasta.
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the corkscrew macaroni and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
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Drain and Cool: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it well in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help keep the pasta firm and prevent it from becoming mushy.
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Combine Pasta and Salad Ingredients: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the mozzarella, tomatoes, and olives.
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Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture, using all or just a portion to suit your taste. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure the pasta and vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
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Adjust Seasonings: Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or vinegar to enhance the flavor.
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Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight. This chilling period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve: Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature, making it an ideal dish for warm summer gatherings. This recipe yields enough for 6 to 8 servings, making it perfect for sharing.
This Pasta Salad with Mozzarella, Olives, and Tomatoes not only encapsulates the essence of summer ingredients but also presents a balanced and nourishing dish, making it a wonderful addition to any meal. Enjoy its delightful freshness at your next outdoor event or casual family dinner, where it’s sure to impress.
