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Tomato pasta salad in a blue bowl with a brown wooden spoon.

The Best Tomato Pasta Salad


  • Author: Shanna Mallon
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

Summertime picnics call for the best sides, and this tomato pasta salad is a winner. You won’t believe how light and bright it is.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Dressing:

For the Salad:

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into bite-sized chunks
  • 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced (approximately 2 ½3 cups)
  • 2/3 cup chopped basil
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Cook penne pasta according to the instructions on the box. Drain in a colander, and add to the large bowl with the dressing. Toss to combine.
  3. When the pasta stops steaming, cool completely in the refrigerator, approximately 30 minutes.
  4. Remove from the refrigerator and add the mozzarella, tomatoes, basil, and parmesan cheese. Stir to make sure everything is incorporated well.
  5. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

You can make this recipe up to a day in advance. Simply complete steps 1 and 2, then chill. When you’re ready to serve, stir in the tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and parmesan.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Pasta Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Side Dish

Keywords: tomato, pasta, basil, mozzarella, summer