Pasta salad with cheese and tomatoes
Vibrant pasta salad with cheese and tomatoes - a quick and healthy delight
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
I invite you to discover a simple and colorful recipe: fusilli pasta salad with cheese and tomatoes. This salad is perfect for hot summer days or for a quick dinner, offering a delicious mix of textures and flavors. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this tasty dish!
Ingredients:
- 400 g fusilli pasta
- 3 bell peppers (preferably red and yellow for a pop of color)
- 3 ripe tomatoes
- 1 fresh green salad
- 3-4 slices of cheese (choose a semi-hard cheese for a more intense flavor)
- 100 g olives (green or black, according to preference)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 50 g nuts (you can also use walnuts or almonds for a distinct flavor)
- 3 fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Start by boiling the fusilli pasta in salted water, according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook them al dente to retain a pleasant texture in the salad. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is essential to prevent the pasta from becoming sticky.
2. Meanwhile, wash and prepare the vegetables. Remove the seeds from the bell peppers and slice them into thin strips. The tomatoes can be diced or sliced, depending on your preference. Tear the green salad into smaller pieces so it easily integrates into the salad.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked and cooled pasta with the olive oil and sliced olives. Drizzle with lemon juice for an extra touch of freshness. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
4. Add the bell peppers, tomatoes, and green salad to the bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and freshly chopped basil, mixing gently to avoid damaging the texture of the ingredients.
5. For a perfect finishing touch, chop the nuts and sprinkle them over the salad, along with the cheese slices and a few whole olives. This detail will add crunch and a pleasant contrast of textures.
Serving suggestions: You can serve the pasta salad on a large platter, decorated with fresh basil leaves for an aesthetic and appetizing look. This salad can be enjoyed both cold and at room temperature, making it ideal for picnics or barbecues.
Possible variations: You can add proteins like grilled chicken or tuna to turn the salad into a hearty main dish. Also, for a Mediterranean touch, try adding feta or mozzarella.
This pasta salad with cheese and tomatoes will not only delight your taste buds but will also bring a splash of color to your table. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer or a main course, it is definitely a dish worth trying! Bon appétit!
Ingredients: 400 g fusilli pasta, 3 bell peppers, 3 tomatoes, 1 green lettuce, 3-4 slices of cheese, salt, pepper, 100 g olives, juice from 1 lemon, 2-3 teaspoons of olive oil, 50 g nuts, 3 basil leaves
