Mediterranean Balsamic Pasta Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Balsamic Pasta Salad is perfect for any occasion, be it a summer picnic, a family gathering, or as a fresh side dish at dinner. The combination of tender small shell pasta with crisp, blanched broccoli, sweet red pepper, and zesty green onions offers a colorful and nutritious dish. Tossed together with a delightful homemade balsamic dressing, this salad bursts with exceptional flavor while being quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy it chilled for a refreshing taste that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
4
Servings
120
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup (none)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (none)
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Dry basil
2 teaspoons (none)
Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons (grated)
Small shell pasta
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
Broccoli
3/4 cup (chopped into small flowerettes)
Red pepper
1 (chopped fine)
Green onion
1 (sliced fine)
Instructions
1
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, minced garlic, dry basil, and grated Parmesan cheese to form a flavorful dressing. Set aside.
2
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the small shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
3
While the pasta is cooking, chop broccoli into small flowerettes and blanch them in boiling water for about 2 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
4
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, chopped red pepper, and sliced green onion.
5
Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
6
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
16g
Carbs
3g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Balsamic Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant and nutritious side dish featuring small shell pasta, blanched broccoli, red peppers, and green onions tossed in a homemade balsamic dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
Small shell pasta is recommended as it holds the dressing well and matches the size of the chopped vegetables.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it uses vegetables, pasta, and cheese.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative.
How do I prepare the broccoli?
Chop the broccoli into small flowerettes and blanch them in boiling water for 2 minutes until tender-crisp, then rinse in cold water.
What does blanching the broccoli do?
Blanching softens the broccoli slightly while preserving its bright green color and crisp texture.
What ingredients are in the dressing?
The dressing is made from balsamic vinegar, olive oil, black pepper, minced garlic, dry basil, and grated Parmesan cheese.
How long should the salad refrigerate before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld properly.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dry?
Yes, you can substitute 2 teaspoons of dry basil with about 1 to 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The standard recipe is not gluten-free because of the wheat pasta, but you can easily use a gluten-free shell pasta substitute.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
Can I add protein to this salad?
Absolutely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or shrimp would make excellent additions to turn this into a full meal.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
The salad will stay fresh and delicious for about 3 to 4 days when refrigerated.
Can I freeze Mediterranean Balsamic Pasta Salad?
Freezing is not recommended as it will change the texture of the pasta and vegetables once thawed.
What can I use if I do not have red pepper?
You can substitute red pepper with yellow or orange bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
Is the garlic in the dressing cooked?
No, the garlic is minced and mixed raw into the dressing for a zesty, sharp flavor.
Should the pasta be cooked all the way?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente, meaning it is firm to the bite, so it doesn't get mushy when tossed with dressing.
Can I use a different type of vinegar?
While balsamic provides a specific sweetness, you could use red wine vinegar for a tangier profile.
Is there any added sugar?
There is no added sugar in this recipe; the sweetness comes from the balsamic vinegar and red pepper.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include pasta salad, balsamic dressing, vegetarian, healthy, mediterranean, and summer dish.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 3 grams of protein.
Can I use bottled balsamic dressing?
You can use bottled dressing for convenience, but the homemade version with Parmesan and garlic is recommended for the best flavor.
What is the preparation time for the vegetables?
The vegetables require minimal time to chop and only 2 minutes for blanching the broccoli.
Can I add olives to this recipe?
Yes, kalamata olives would be a perfect addition to enhance the Mediterranean flavor.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is specifically designed to be served chilled.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this a good recipe for a picnic?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for picnics as it is easy to transport and tastes better as it sits.