Garden Fresh Summer Ziti Salad
Celebrate the vibrant flavors of summer with this delightful Garden Fresh Summer Ziti Salad! Packed with garden-fresh tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, and zesty olives, this pasta salad captures the essence of a sun-soaked day. The whole wheat ziti pasta offers a hearty base, while the creamy mozzarella adds richness. Tossed in a tangy homemade dressing of balsamic and red wine vinegars, and complemented by fragrant basil leaves, each bite is a burst of flavors. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish at any summer gathering – this is a salad that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds!
6
Servings
200
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ziti pasta
12 ounces (preferably whole wheat)
Tomatoes
3 (diced (medium sized))
Black olives
5 (pitted and sliced)
Spring onion
1 (thinly sliced on diagonal)
Basil leaves
2 tablespoons (torn fresh (or 1/2 teaspoon dried))
Coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Sesame seeds
1/8 teaspoon (optional)
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (or canola oil)
Balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon
Red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon
Celery seed
1/8 teaspoon
Garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon
Mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup (diced)
Green pepper
1 (sliced thinly)
Red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon (for added spice)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the whole wheat ziti pasta according to package instructions, typically for 10-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse under cool running water to stop the cooking process, then shake to remove excess water.
2
In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, celery seed, garlic powder, and season with coarse salt, black pepper, and sesame seeds. Make sure to blend well until emulsified.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced mozzarella, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, thinly sliced spring onion, and green pepper. Add the torn basil leaves and red pepper flakes for a kick.
4
Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad little by little while gently tossing the ingredients to coat evenly. Taste and adjust the dressing according to your preference.
5
Once mixed, let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your vibrant garden-fresh pasta salad!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
6g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Garden Fresh Summer Ziti Salad?
It is a vibrant pasta salad featuring whole wheat ziti, fresh tomatoes, crunchy bell peppers, zesty olives, and creamy mozzarella tossed in a tangy homemade balsamic and red wine vinegar dressing.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
What type of pasta is recommended for this salad?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of ziti pasta, preferably the whole wheat variety for a heartier base.
How long should I cook the ziti pasta?
The pasta should be cooked according to the package instructions, typically for 10-11 minutes, until it reaches an al dente texture.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, you should drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cool running water to stop the cooking process.
What are the main vegetables used in this salad?
The salad includes three medium-sized diced tomatoes, a thinly sliced green pepper, and a spring onion.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of diced mozzarella cheese for added richness.
How do I make the dressing for the Ziti Salad?
Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, red wine vinegar, celery seed, garlic powder, coarse salt, black pepper, and sesame seeds until emulsified.
Can I use a substitute for extra virgin olive oil?
Yes, you can use canola oil as an alternative to extra virgin olive oil in the dressing.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, though you can adjust this to your preference.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Yes, if you do not have 2 tablespoons of fresh torn basil, you can substitute it with 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 7.5g of fat per serving in this salad.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Does this salad provide protein?
Yes, each serving provides 6g of protein.
What is the fiber content of this recipe?
There is 2.5g of fiber per serving, largely thanks to the whole wheat pasta and fresh vegetables.
How should the spring onion be prepared?
The spring onion should be thinly sliced on a diagonal.
Are sesame seeds mandatory for the dressing?
No, the 1/8 teaspoon of sesame seeds is an optional ingredient.
What kind of olives should I use?
The recipe calls for 5 pitted and sliced black olives.
How long should the salad sit before serving?
It is recommended to let the salad sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I serve this salad warm?
While it can be served at room temperature, it is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature as a refreshing summer dish.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 16 ingredients used in this recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian-friendly pasta salad.
What kind of occasions is this salad best for?
It is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or as a refreshing side dish for summer gatherings.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-distributed?
Drizzle the dressing over the pasta salad little by little while gently tossing the ingredients to coat them evenly.
What seasonings are used in the dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with coarse salt, freshly ground black pepper, celery seed, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
How should the green pepper be cut?
The green pepper should be sliced thinly before being added to the mix.
What is the preparation for the tomatoes?
The three medium tomatoes should be diced.
What makes the salad 'garden fresh'?
The combination of fresh tomatoes, green peppers, spring onions, and fresh basil leaves gives it its signature garden-fresh flavor.
Can I adjust the amount of dressing used?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the dressing according to your personal preference while tossing.