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Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

Tomatoes, basil, feta, pine nuts, balsamic and olive oil… what more could you want? This Tomato Basil Pasta Salad is light and refreshing! Enjoy it as a meal on its own or have it as a side dish! We added some grilled chicken and spinach salad to this pasta salad and had the perfect filling meal.

Tomato Basil Pasta Salad in a white bowl on a white wooden table

Ingredients in Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

This pasta salad could not be easier to put together. Simply chop up your tomatoes and basil. Cook the pasta and throw everything in a bowl together! If you have time let it chill in the refrigerator and if not no worries.

The ingredients in this salad are:

  • Cherry Tomatoes: look for ones that are bright red and firm for the best flavor.
  • Feta Cheese: found in the deli or dairy section, this cheese can be bought crumbled or in block form.
  • Pine Nuts: these are the most tricky of ingredients to fine. They should be located in the produce or Italian section of your grocery store.
  • Basil: fresh will bring the most flavor to this pasta salad. Be sure to find fresh basil that is bright green and not wilted.
  • Balsamic Vinegar: this an be found near the other vinegars and olive oils.
  • Pasta: any shape or brand you love
  • Olive oil, salt and pepper

How to Make Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

This easy pasta salad recipe is super quick to make! Make it ahead or serve right after making it. To start, cook the pasta according to package directions. Then, drain, rinse and let cool. While the pasta is cooking, chop tomatoes and basil.

Then, in a large bowl combine all ingredients and stir well to combine. Season as desired with salt and pepper. Pasta salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator before eating.

How to Store Pasta Salad

This pasta salad can be made when ready to eat or the day before. I personally prefer a chilled pasta salad but it is not a requirement. This pasta salad should be stored in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It should hold up well for 2-4 days depending on the freshness of the tomatoes and basil. Do not freeze this pasta salad.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to use feta for this salad?

Absolutely not! Try fresh mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan cheese, asiago cheese, etc or if you are not a cheese fan you can leave it out! Leaving out the cheese also makes this recipe vegan.

How long will pasta salad last in the fridge?

This recipe should be eaten within 2-3 days. The tomatoes and basil will not last much longer than that before they start to turn in this salad.

Tomato Basil Pasta Salad in a white bowl close up picture

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our Easy Homemade Pasta Carbonara, Easy Roasted Potatoes, Oven Roasted Corn on the Cob, Chili Mac and Cheese, Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze, Sausage Casserole, Spinach Feta Quiche, Healthy Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce, Kale Lemonade, Easy Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl, Avocado Black Bean and Corn Salsa, Tropical Salsa, Lemon Butter Shrimp and Pasta, and Citrus Chicken Pasta.

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Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

Tomato Basil Pasta Salad

Yield: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Additional Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Tomatoes, basil, feta, pine nuts, balsamic and olive oil... what more could you want? This Tomato Basil Pasta Salad is light and refreshing!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb rotelle pasta
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/3 cup basil, chopped
  • 1/4 cup pine nuts
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse and let cool.
  2. While pasta is cooking, chop tomatoes and basil.
  3. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir well to combine. Season as desired with salt and pepper.
  4. Pasta salad can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator before eating.

Notes

If you do not like feta cheese, substitute your favorite cheese.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1/6th recipe
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 191Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 22mgSodium: 283mgCarbohydrates: 11gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 6g

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