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Easy Tangy Cold Pasta Salad Recipe with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil

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A quick and refreshing cold pasta salad featuring tangy lemon vinaigrette, chewy sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Perfect for last-minute meals or warm weather gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) short pasta (rotini, fusilli, or penne)
  • ½ cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, preferably oil-packed
  • ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves (about 15 grams), roughly chopped
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup (20 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring 4 quarts (3.8 liters) of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain pasta in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool it down quickly. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 1 large lemon (around 3 tablespoons), ⅓ cup (80 ml) extra virgin olive oil, 1 finely minced garlic clove, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Taste and tweak the dressing.
  4. Slice the sun-dried tomatoes into thin strips, about ¼ inch (6 mm) wide. Roughly chop ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves.
  5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and basil to the cooled pasta in the mixing bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss gently but thoroughly to coat every bite.
  6. Sprinkle ¼ cup (20 grams) of grated Parmesan cheese on top and give it one last gentle toss (optional).
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Notes

If using dried sun-dried tomatoes, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before use. To keep it vegan, omit Parmesan or use a plant-based alternative. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with chickpea or rice-based pasta. If pasta absorbs too much dressing and feels dry after chilling, stir in a splash more olive oil or lemon juice before serving. Fresh basil should be added last to preserve its bright flavor. Salad can be prepared a day ahead but add basil just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold pasta salad, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, lemon vinaigrette, easy pasta salad, summer salad, quick recipe, vegetarian, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/easy-tangy-cold-pasta-salad-recipe-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-and-basil/