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Pasta Salad with Basil

Pasta Salad with Basil

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Pasta Salad with Basil is a fresh, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish perfect for warm days. Combining aromatic basil leaves, crisp vegetables, and creamy plant-based cheese, it delivers a refreshing harmony of flavors and textures. Served chilled, it’s ideal for picnics, light lunches, or casual gatherings, and is versatile enough for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini, penne, or fusilli)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup cucumber slices
  • 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), cubed or crumbled

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (natural)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling your pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta cools, wash and halve your cherry tomatoes, slice the cucumbers, and finely chop or tear the fresh basil leaves. Make sure everything is ready to combine in the bowl.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder (natural), salt, and pepper until it emulsifies into a smooth dressing bursting with flavor.
  4. Combine the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, and plant-based cheese (plant-based). Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss until every bite is beautifully coated.
  5. Chill and Serve: For best results, refrigerate your Pasta Salad with Basil for at least 30 minutes so the ingredients marry and flavors blossom. Serve chilled and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Choose smaller pasta shapes like fusilli or penne for better dressing adherence.
  • Use fresh basil leaves for the best aroma and flavor.
  • Add dressing gradually to avoid sogginess.
  • Chill salad before serving to enhance flavor blending.
  • Cut ingredients uniformly to ensure balanced bites.
  • Garnish with extra torn basil leaves, plant-based cheese (plant-based), or toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.
  • Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.
  • Do not freeze as texture and freshness may degrade.
  • Serve cold or at room temperature; reheating is not recommended.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No-bake
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: pasta salad, basil, plant-based cheese, vegetarian, summer salad, easy recipe, picnic food

Find it online: https://classicrecipehub.com/pasta-salad-with-basil/