Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, a casual gathering with friends, or simply looking for a refreshing meal to enjoy in the warm weather, this Food and Wine Pasta Salad is a delightful choice. Packed with vibrant flavors and textures, this recipe combines the richness of food with the freshness of wine to create a truly delightful dish. The colorful presentation and the blend of ingredients make this pasta salad a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. Let’s dive into making this scrumptious dish!
Food and Wine Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
– 12 oz. fusilli pasta
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup fresh mozzarella balls
– 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
– 1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to cool it down.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls, basil leaves, kalamata olives, and sliced red onion.
3. Drizzle the extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar over the pasta salad.
4. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
5. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
6. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final toss and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
8. Serve chilled and garnish with additional fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
The Food and Wine Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. Feel free to add grilled chicken, shrimp, or roasted vegetables to make it heartier, or switch up the type of pasta and cheese for a unique twist. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or a quick meal on a busy weeknight. It’s a great way to showcase the beautiful flavors of food and wine in a simple yet delicious recipe. Enjoy this delightful pasta salad with a glass of your favorite wine for a truly enjoyable dining experience!
