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Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

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Tomato Basil Pasta Salad is a simple side dish with penne pasta, tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella with a delicious balsamic vinegar dressing. This pasta salad is perfect to serve for a simple dinner or a delicious summer salad side at a potluck party.

Looking for other delicious salad recipes? Check out my recipes for Greek Garden Salad and Summer Fruit Salad.

pasta salad made with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers with a balsamic dressing

There are so many pasta salad recipes out there, how do you choose the perfect one?! This pasta salad is not your average recipe. This simple recipe only takes a few ingredients and comes together super quickly. The dressing is easy to make and could also be used on a green salad if you have any leftovers from making this salad. 

tomatoes, basil, pasta, mozzarella, garlic and balsamic vinegar, ingredients for a pasta salad

Tomato Basil Pasta Salad Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients for the pasta salad portion of this recipe:

  • penne pasta
  • grape or cherry tomatoes
  • mozzarella pearls
  • fresh basil leaves

Balsamic Salad Dressing

  • olive oil
  • balsamic vinegar
  • garlic
  • salt
  • pepper
pasta salad made with penne pasta, sliced tomatoes and mozzarella cheese balls

Instructions to make Pasta Salad

To make this simple pasta salad, start by cooking the pasta according to the package directions. While the pasta is cooking, slice the tomatoes in half, slice the basil into small pieces.

You can easily slice basil by piling up the basil leaves, rolling them together, and then slicing them into small strips. 

When the pasta is cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to cool off the noodles. Place the pasta in a large salad bowl, add in the tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella. Toss to combine.

balsamic salad dressing in a measuring cup

To make the balsamic dressing combine all of the ingredients in a bowl to mix or you can place in a jar with a lid and shake to combine.

Stir or shake the dressing for 2-3 minutes until it emulsifies, or thickens. You will see a definite change in the consistency. 

Pour half of the dressing over the pasta salad ingredients and stir to coat. Add additional dressing a little at a time until everything is covered in dressing. 

Serve immediately, or place in the refrigerator until ready to serve. 

What to Serve with Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

We love to serve this simple pasta salad alongside cast iron chicken breasts, a flank steak, or even salmon. Pasta salad is really perfect with whatever you have on the menu, or serve it on its own as a simple meal.

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penne pasta with mozzarella pearls, tomatoes and basil in a balsamic dressing
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Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

Tomato Basil Pasta Salad is a simple side dish with penne pasta, tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella with a delicious balsamic vinegar dressing. This pasta salad is perfect to serve for a simple dinner or delicious side at a potluck party.
Prep Time12 minutes
Total Time12 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 315kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 oz penne pasta
  • 18 oz grape tomatoes, halved
  • 8 oz mozzarella pearls
  • 3 tbsp fresh basil, chopped

Balsamic Dressing Ingredients

  • 2/3 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 3 tsp garlic, minced

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking prepare tomatoes and basil.
  • Drain pasta and rinse under cold water to cool down pasta. Toss pasta, tomatoes, basil and mozzarella
  • For the balsamic dressing, combine all of the ingredients and stir or shake in a jar with a lid for 2-3 minutes until combine and thickened.
  • Pour half of dressing over pasta salad and toss to coat. Add more dressing as needed until pasta is well covered.

Notes

*Note- nutrition information is an approximation. This info is including the full amount of dressing. 

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 473mg | Potassium: 232mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 457IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Tomato Basil Pasta Salad
Tried this recipe?Please Rate and Leave A Comment Below!

Perfect for your next potluck party this Tomato Basil Pasta Salad is a simple side dish with penne pasta, tomatoes, basil, fresh mozzarella with a delicious balsamic vinegar dressing. 

pasta salad made with penne pasta, sliced tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil

What to serve with Tomato Basil Salad?

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