Tomato, Basil, and Feta Pasta Salad

5m
Prep Time

10-12m
Cook Time

15m
Ready In

Recipe: #13848

August 15, 2014

Categories: Fresh Tomatoes, Lunch, Salads, Dairy, Cheese, Feta, Pasta, Ditalini, Fruit, Tomato, Italian, North American, 5-Minute Prep, Budget-Friendly, Easy/Beginner Cooking, Quick Meals, Entertaining, July 4th, Labor Day, Ladies Luncheon, Picnic, Summer, Weeknight Meals, Refrigerator, Stove Top, Vegetarian, Spring more

recipe by:
Kchurchill5

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recipe by:
Kchurchill5

"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."

Original recipe yields 4 servings

Metric US

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Ingredients

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8 ounces dry ditalini pasta
1/2 to 3/4 pint tomatoes (grape or cherry tomatoes, cut in half)
1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, lightly packed and torn
1/3 to 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 to 4 tablespoons balsamic dressing (or vinaigrette)

Kosher salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Options
Scallions, small diced (white and green parts)

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.