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summer balsamic pasta salad recipe - Summer Balsamic Pasta Salad served in a white bowl overhead view
Chloe

Summer Balsamic Pasta Salad

summer balsamic pasta salad recipe made easy at home. Bright, fresh, and tossed in a tangy balsamic dressing, this colorful pasta salad is the star of any pic
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 8 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta or any short pasta
  • 1 tsp salt for pasta water
Vegetables & Cheese
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella pearls drained
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves torn, plus extra for garnish
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
Balsamic Dressing
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar good-quality
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add farfalle and cook until al dente according to package directions (about 10–12 minutes).
  2. Drain pasta and rinse under cold running water until completely cool. Shake off excess water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
  4. Add halved cherry tomatoes, mozzarella pearls, red onion, and torn basil to the bowl with the pasta. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with extra basil.