Craving a dish that will make your taste buds dance and impress every guest at your next gathering? Look no further than this mouthwatering Balsamic Vegetable Pasta Salad! Bursting with vibrant colors, fresh Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, and a tangy balsamic dressing, this recipe transforms ordinary pasta into a culinary masterpiece that's both refreshing and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're planning a picnic, potluck, or just want a quick and delicious meal, this Italian-style pasta salad is about to become your new favorite go-to recipe.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the zucchini into small, uniform cubes, and dice the bell pepper into similar-sized pieces.
- Slice the black olives into thin rings and set aside with the other prepared vegetables.
- Once pasta is cooked, drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta quickly.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the dressing and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Fold in the prepared cherry tomatoes, zucchini, bell pepper, and black olives, mixing carefully to distribute ingredients.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve chilled.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente to prevent a mushy texture - it should have a slight firmness when bitten.
- Rinse pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to fully develop and meld together.
- Use high-quality balsamic vinegar for the most robust and rich flavor.
- For extra freshness, consider adding some chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving.
- If preparing ahead, keep the dressing and vegetables separate until just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
- Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or proteins like grilled chicken or feta cheese for variety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 261kcal
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
