Tomato, Basil, and Feta Pasta Salad
Recipe: #13848
August 15, 2014
Categories: Salads, Cheese, Feta, Ditalini, Tomato, Italian, 5-Minute Prep July 4th, Labor Day, Picnic, Vegetarian, Fresh Tomatoes, more
"A simple yet easy side dish, which goes with any meal. Now, to make this easy - for every night ... use a quality Balsamic salad dressing/vinaigrette. But, you can always make your own too. I just try to make this quick and easy, for the 'busy' cook. If you make your own vinaigrette, you can also add a little shallot - which will give you a bit of that 'onion' flavor. Also, don't be afraid to add more of less of the tomatoes, cheese, or basil. These are just the amounts I like best; but, you really customize it to how you like it."
Ingredients
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- Options
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Nutritional
- Serving Size: 1 (95.9 g)
- Calories 240.9
- Total Fat - 2.9 g
- Saturated Fat - 1.3 g
- Cholesterol - 5.2 mg
- Sodium - 72.2 mg
- Total Carbohydrate - 47.5 g
- Dietary Fiber - 6.5 g
- Sugars - 1.7 g
- Protein - 7.1 g
- Calcium - 96 mg
- Iron - 0.7 mg
- Vitamin C - 3.1 mg
- Thiamin - 0.1 mg
Step by Step Method
Step 1
Pasta ... Cook the pasta according to package directions in plenty of salted water; then, rinse in cold water to cool. Ditallini is my favorite pastas, because it is quick cooking. And, I don't often rinse pasta; but, for salads - it is an exception. Rinse in cold water to cool the pasta.
Step 2
Salad ... Add the tomatoes, Feta, cooled and drained pasta, a bit of the balsamic dressing/vinaigrette, a pinch of both salt and pepper (go easy with the salt); Feta is salty. Then, toss just a couple of times, just to combine. And, save a bit of the dressing/vinaigrette; as the pasta will soak up the dressing/vinaigrette. Refrigerate for 15-30 minutes is possible before serving; but, not necessary. Right before serving - add the basil, and a bit more dressing/vinaigrette; and, toss to combine.
Step 3
Optional ... Scallions are something I add from time to time; but, not necessary.
Step 4
Serve and ENJOY!
Tips
No special items needed.