Print

Fresh Cold Balsamic Pasta Salad Recipe Easy 5-Ingredient Summer Salad

fresh cold balsamic pasta salad - featured image
Print Recipe

A fresh, tangy, and easy-to-make cold pasta salad featuring balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta. Perfect for summer picnics and quick lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces rotini or penne pasta
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)
  • ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • A handful of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
  • 3 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of rotini or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of aged balsamic vinegar, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, and 1 finely minced garlic clove. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. To the cooled pasta, add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, ½ cup crumbled feta cheese, and a handful of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. Toss gently to mix evenly.
  5. Pour the balsamic dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every piece of pasta and ingredient.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or balsamic vinegar as needed.
  7. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and the salad become refreshingly cold.
  8. Give the salad a final toss before serving. Garnish with extra basil leaves or feta if desired.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after chilling. Rinse pasta under cold water immediately after draining to stop cooking and prevent sticking. Whisk dressing thoroughly to emulsify. Chill salad for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Add fresh basil just before serving to prevent wilting. If salad seems dry after chilling, drizzle with olive oil or balsamic vinegar before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: balsamic pasta salad, summer salad, cold pasta salad, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, easy pasta salad, quick summer recipe

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/fresh-cold-balsamic-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-5-ingredient-summer-salad/