Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad Recipe

I adore this recipe because it perfectly balances fresh, vibrant flavors with a creamy twist that keeps things exciting and delicious. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up and makes for the ultimate shareable dish at those spontaneous summer picnics or backyard hangouts.

I adore how this Summer Pasta Salad with Creamy Balsamic Dressing provides a burst of fresh flavors with every bite. The al dente rotini pasta mingles perfectly with the juicy cherry tomatoes and the crisp cucumber, while the feta, crumbled into the salad, adds a delightful tang.

“A creamy balsamic dressing ties it all together; raw goodness in a bowl!” from The Kitchn.

Ingredients

– Pasta di rotini: Fornisce carboidrati per l’energia, rendendo l’insalata sostanziosa e rimanendo nel solco degli anni ottanta.

– Tomatoes, cherries: Full of vitamins A and C, and sweet vibrant color.

– Cucumber: It offers a satisfying crunch.

Still, it can’t boast much when it comes to nutrition, packing just 4 calories per 1-cup (104-gram) serving with about 0.

5 grams protein and 0.

2 grams fat.

That said, cucumbers are made mostly of water (95 percent), so they are hydrating, and when they’re in season, they are cool and crisp.

– Red Onion: Contributes a pungent taste and a mixture of antioxidants and vitamin C.

– Black olives: A source of wholsome fats and a distinct, savory taste.

Feta Cheese: Adds a rich creamy texture and a sharp taste; it also contributes a good amount of protein and calcium.

– Balsamic Vinegar: Offers a rich sweetness and a sharp tang that deepens the flavor and enhances the sweetness.

It plays an important role in ensuring that the dish is flavorful.

Ingredient Quantities

• 12 ounces rotini pasta
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the rotini pasta as directed on the package. Wait until the water comes to a rolling boil, then add the pasta. Stir the pasta immediately, so it doesn’t stick to itself or the bottom of the pot. Cook the pasta, stirring occasionally, for the time indicated. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until it is no longer warm and you can comfortably handle it.

2. Combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and feta cheese in a large mixing bowl.

3. Combine the cooled pasta with the vegetable mixture, and toss gently to combine.

4. In a tiny basin, combine the balsamic vinegar, mayonnaise, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk until completely blended.

5. Add salt and pepper to taste when you season the dressing.

6. Over the pasta and vegetable mixture, pour the dressing, and ensure that you toss gently so that everything is evenly coated.

7. Incorporate the fresh, chopped basil into the salad and mix it gently, folding it in.

8. Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 30 minutes so the flavors can meld together. Cover the salad.

9. Taste and adjust the seasoning just before serving, adding more salt and pepper as necessary to achieve your desired level of savory goodness.

10. Dish out and bask in the revitalizing Creamy Balsamic Summer Pasta Salad, served ice-cold!

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot
2. Colander
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Small bowl
5. Whisk
6. Cutting board
7. Chef’s knife
8. Measuring cups
9. Measuring spoons
10. Mixing spoon
11. Salad tongs or salad servers
12. Plastic wrap or lid for bowl (for refrigeration)

FAQ

• Can I use a different type of pasta?Substituting rotini with other short pasta types like penne, farfalle, or fusilli works just as well.
• How long can the salad be stored?Keep it in the refrigerator, in a container that is airtight, for no longer than 3 days.
• Is there a non-dairy alternative to feta cheese?A dairy-free feta cheese alternative can be used, or it can be omitted completely.
• Can I make this salad gluten-free?Certainly, just use gluten-free pasta to render the salad appropriate for anyone avoiding gluten.
• Can I prepare the salad in advance?Make the pasta salad no more than a day ahead. Just before serving, mix in the dressing. This is for texture purposes. The pasta salad is fine to be made a day or two ahead and can even be served slightly warmed or at room temperature.
• What can I use instead of mayonnaise?Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in a lighter version.
• Does the salad work without garlic?It is perfectly fine to omit the garlic if you would rather not have it. The flavor will be somewhat changed, but it will be no less tasty.

Substitutions and Variations

Rotini Pasta: Replace it with whole wheat pasta or any other shape of pasta such as penne or fusilli.
Feta Cheese: Substitute goat cheese for feta. Or, for a totally dairy-free option, just leave it out.
Balsamic Vinegar: Substitute with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar to alter the flavor profile.
Use Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo to lighten it up or make it plant-based.
Sweetener: As a substitute for honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar.

Pro Tips

1. Pasta Cooking To enhance the flavor of your pasta, add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water before adding the rotini. This will infuse the pasta with flavor from the start. Avoid adding oil to the water, as it can make the pasta too slippery for the dressing to adhere well.

2. Chill the Ingredients After rinsing the pasta under cold water, ensure it’s fully cooled before combining it with the vegetables. This prevents the residual heat from wilting the fresh ingredients and ensures the salad remains crisp and refreshing.

3. Fresh Herbs For an extra burst of flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or oregano in addition to the basil. Fresh herbs can make the salad more vibrant and aromatic. If possible, add them just before serving to retain their freshness.

4. Balanced Dressing When making the dressing, taste and adjust it before adding to the salad. If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a bit more balsamic vinegar. For a sweeter dressing, increase the honey slightly. Personalizing the dressing ensures the flavors align with your preference.

5. Texture Variations Consider adding crunch by incorporating nuts or seeds, such as toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds, just before serving. These add a delightful texture contrast to the creamy and tender components of the salad.