Tomato & Basil Pasta Salad (Spring Meals)

Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad is a perfect spring or summer light meal or side dish to bring to a backyard BBQ or potluck.  The recipe serves four but can be doubled to make a larger batch.  I use a ton of garlic, I LOVE garlic.  The grated Parmesan or Romano cheese finishes it off nicely.

Ingredients

• grape tomatoes
• garlic
• salt
• balsamic vinegar
• extra virgin olive oil
• sugar
• red pepper flakes
• fresh basil leaves
• dried penne rigate (one with the groves on it) 
• Parmesan or Romano cheese

Instructions

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine everything but the basil leaves and penne. Set aside 30 minutes so the tomatoes have time to marinate.
• Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain (don't rinse) and add the cooked Penne to the tomato mixture.
• Add the basil.
• Toss the Penne until well mixed.
• Top with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
• Serve at room temperature.

Now that's easy and it tastes even better the next day!

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Recipe

Fresh Tomato and Basil Pasta Salad Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Marinate Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Perfect for a summertime light lunch. Taste great chilled or at room temperature.

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Ingredients

• 18-20 grape tomato's, cut in half
• 2 cloves garlic, pushed through a press
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon white sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or ripped
• 2 cups dried penne rigate
• Parmesan or Romano cheese, grated

Instructions

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine everything but the basil leaves and penne. Set aside 30 minutes so the tomatoes have time to marinate.
• Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain (don't rinse) and add the cooked Penne to the tomato mixture.
• Add the basil.
• Toss the Penne until well mixed.
• Top with grated Parmesan or Romano cheese.
• Serve at room temperature.

Notes

The prep time includes time needed to cook the Penne pasta.

Can also be made with thick spaghetti.

The longer the tomatoes marinate the more deep the flavor.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 173Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 8mgSodium: 191mgCarbohydrates: 22gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 7g

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