Recipe: Heart Healthy Tomato Pasta Salad π π₯
- 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:
-
Prepare Tomato Dressing:
- 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.
-
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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! π π₯
