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Tomato Orecchiette Pasta Salad

Tomato Orecchiette Pasta Salad
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A vibrant and refreshing Tomato Orecchiette Pasta Salad featuring tender orecchiette pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a light lemon-garlic dressing. Perfect as a standalone meal or a flavorful side for any occasion, this easy-to-make salad is full of summer flavors and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups orecchiette pasta

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta down, then set aside.
  2. Prepare the Veggies: Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and roughly chop the fresh basil. These fresh ingredients will ensure bright flavors and a great texture contrast.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing will keep the salad light and refreshing while enhancing all the other ingredients.
  4. Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Pour the dressing over and toss gently to coat each piece without mashing the tomatoes.
  5. Add Finishing Touches: If you like, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper to taste, then chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Cook Pasta Al Dente to keep texture firm and prevent mushiness.
  • Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor and vibrancy.
  • Cool pasta completely by rinsing with cold water before mixing with dressing.
  • Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes to meld flavors beautifully.
  • Adjust dressing acidity by adding more lemon juice or vinegar to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tomato pasta salad, orecchiette salad, summer pasta salad, fresh pasta salad, easy pasta salad, gluten-free pasta salad

Find it online: https://cherrycooks.com/tomato-orecchiette-pasta-salad/