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Penne Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Olives

Penne Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Olives Bliss

This Penne Pasta Salad with Tomatoes, Cucumbers, and Olives is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 57 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 12 ounces Penne Pasta can use mini or regular penne
  • 1 pint Cherry or Grape Tomatoes can swap for heirloom tomatoes
  • 2 cups Cucumbers bell peppers or zucchini make great substitutes
  • 1 cup Black Olives green olives can be used as an alternative
  • 1 medium Red Onion scallions work for a milder option
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Basil dried basil can substitute, but fresh is best
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Italian Parsley consider replacing with cilantro
For the Dressing
  • 0.25 cup Olive Oil avocado oil can be an alternative
  • 0.25 cup Red Wine Vinegar apple cider vinegar works as a great substitute
  • 2 cloves Garlic adjust for taste or use roasted garlic
  • to taste Kosher Salt adjust to personal preference
  • to taste Fresh Black Pepper adjust to personal preference

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • colander
  • Medium-sized bowl
  • large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta but do not rinse.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine halved cherry or grape tomatoes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk to emulsify and set aside for 10-15 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped cucumbers, halved black olives, diced red onion, and the cooked penne pasta. Gently stir everything together.
  4. Pour the prepared tomato dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
  5. Add fresh basil and parsley over the salad. Toss again, adjusting seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 400mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1mg

Notes

This salad is perfect for summer gatherings and can be made ahead of time. Be sure to store in an airtight container and add fresh herbs just before serving for the best flavor.

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