Ingredients
- 1 pound of your favorite pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water to season the pasta as it cooks. Once the pasta is al dente, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a tangy dressing for your cold pasta. Set aside for flavors to meld.
Step 3: Chop and Slice the Vegetables
Take your cherry tomatoes and cucumbers and give them a good chop. Slice the black olives and finely chop the red onion. Tear the fresh basil leaves into smaller pieces. Set aside.
Step 4: Combine all the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, chopped vegetables, black olives, red onion, and torn basil leaves. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently to combine all the ingredients. Make sure all the pasta and vegetables are coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Final Touches
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta dish and give it one final toss to incorporate the cheese. You can also season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. When you’re ready to serve, give the pasta one last toss and plate it. Garnish with some fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
And there you have it – a delicious cold pasta dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a picnic, BBQ, or a quick and easy weeknight dinner, this recipe will surely impress. Enjoy!