Description
A refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad that combines fusilli pasta with fresh vegetables, olives, and goat cheese, dressed in a tangy vinaigrette.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces fusilli pasta
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup green onion, finely sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the fusilli pasta until it reaches a firm texture, then drain and cool it under cold running water.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with grape tomatoes, bell pepper, green onion, black olives, goat cheese, and fresh basil.
- In a separate bowl, blend the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, dried basil, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Drizzle the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold everything together to ensure even coating.
- Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for at least half an hour to enhance the flavors. Serve chilled or at room temperature for a refreshing dish.
Notes
- For a heartier meal, add grilled shrimp or roasted chickpeas.
- Swap goat cheese for ricotta for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 15mg