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Easy Pasta Salad Recipe

Ashley Manila
We basically always have a large bowl of this easy pasta salad in the fridge! Loaded with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, fresh herbs, and Italian dressing, it's the perfect summer side dish. Make it as is, or bulk it up with grilled chicken, shrimp, or extra veggies like chopped bell pepper, cucumbers, or zucchini. 
4.91 from 20 votes
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Prep Time 12 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 8 large bowls

Ingredients
 

For the Basil Dressing:

  • 1/2 cup fresh basil loosely packed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 3/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes OR freshly ground black pepper

For the Pasta Salad:

  • 1 pound farfalle pasta
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes cut in half
  • 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 12 ounce container marinated mozzarella balls removed from oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil loosely packed, thinly sliced

Instructions
 

For the Basil Dressing:

  • In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the basil, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pulse on high for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides as needed, or until smooth. There should be no large chunks of anything! If there is, continue blending. Set aside until needed.

For the Pasta Salad:

  • Place a large pot of salted water over high heat; bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes.
  • While the water comes to a boil and the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half; thinly slice the basil and thinly slice the red onion; set aside until needed. Remove the mozzarella balls from the oil and set aside.
  • When the pasta has finished cooking, drain it at once and quickly rinse it under cold water until cool, about 1 minute.
  • Place cooled pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add dressing to pasta, then add the tomatoes, basil, onion, and mozzarella balls. Toss to combine.
  • Serve at once, or chill until needed.

Notes

Pasta salad may be made and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Keyword pasta, pasta recipe, pasta salad
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