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Fresh Balsamic Vinaigrette Pasta Salad

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A vibrant and fresh pasta salad dressed with homemade balsamic vinaigrette, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Perfect for summer gatherings, this easy recipe is light, flavorful, and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • 3 ounces sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
  • 1 cup fresh basil, loosely packed and chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon honey. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add a teaspoon of water if the dressing is too thick.
  3. Thinly slice 1/4 cup red onion, chop 1 cup fresh basil leaves, and roughly chop 3 ounces sun-dried tomatoes. If using dry sun-dried tomatoes, soak in warm water for 10 minutes and drain thoroughly.
  4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Pour the vinaigrette over everything and toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar if needed.
  5. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.

Notes

Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent it from sticking and to keep the salad from becoming mushy. Use room temperature ingredients for better vinaigrette adhesion. Add basil last to keep it fresh and bright. Adjust dressing quantity to avoid sogginess. For dry sun-dried tomatoes, soak before use. Salad tastes better after chilling for at least 30 minutes. Refresh with olive oil if salad dries out after sitting.

Nutrition

Keywords: pasta salad, balsamic vinaigrette, sun-dried tomatoes, basil, summer salad, easy pasta salad, vegan pasta salad

Find it online: https://morselora.com/fresh-balsamic-vinaigrette-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-perfect-summer-dish/