Tomato Bliss Salad 🍅

Recipe: Heart Healthy Tomato Pasta Salad 🍅🥗

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 8

Description:

This delightful Tomato Pasta Salad requires minimal cooking, making it perfect for hot summer days or any occasion when you want a refreshing dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Unlike traditional pasta salads loaded with high-fat ingredients, this recipe focuses on heart-healthy elements, offering a lighter option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Ideal for a picnic, barbecue, or as a satisfying lunch or snack.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plum tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/3 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large tomato, diced
• 1 cup fresh basil

Nutrition (per serving):

• Calories: 282.8
• Fat: 4.7g
• Saturated Fat: 0.9g
• Cholesterol: 4.7mg
• Sodium: 266.3mg
• Carbohydrates: 50.6g
• Fiber: 3.4g
• Sugar: 6.7g
• Protein: 9.7g

Instructions:

1. Prepare Tomato Dressing:

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   • Start by completely pureeing the plum tomatoes in a food processor until smooth.
   • Add sugar, minced garlic, light mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and buttermilk to the tomato puree in the food processor.

2. Blend Until Smooth:

   • Process the ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency for the dressing. This will infuse the flavors and create a luscious base for your pasta salad.

3. Cook Pasta:

   • Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.

4. Rinse Pasta:

   • Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water. This step stops the cooking process and prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.

5. Combine Pasta and Dressing:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the prepared tomato dressing. Gently toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

6. Add Fresh Ingredients:

   • Scatter diced fresh tomatoes and torn basil leaves over the dressed pasta. These vibrant additions add color, freshness, and extra flavor to the salad.

7. Chill and Serve:

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once chilled, give the salad a final toss to redistribute the dressing and toppings. Serve the Tomato Pasta Salad cold as a delightful lunch, snack, or side dish at your next gathering or enjoy it as a light and refreshing meal any time of the day.

This Tomato Pasta Salad is not only delicious and satisfying but also packs a nutritious punch, making it a standout addition to your recipe collection. Enjoy its vibrant flavors and heart-healthy goodness with every bite! 🍅🥗