Mediterranean Ziti Salad with Tomato and Basil
This Mediterranean-inspired Ziti Salad offers a delightful medley of fresh flavors, perfect for summer gatherings or as a fresh side dish. Bursting with juicy plum tomatoes and aromatic herbs like basil and parsley, it’s tossed with al dente pasta and a light vinaigrette that enhances its vibrant taste. Ideal for potlucks, this dish pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken and homemade yeast rolls. Best enjoyed chilled, this salad is not only a feast for the eyes but also a hearty yet refreshing option for any meal.
N/A
Servings
150
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked ziti pasta
8 ounces (boxed)
fresh plum tomatoes
3 cups (chopped)
olive oil
1/3 cup (none)
finely chopped onion
1/4 cup (none)
balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
fresh parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
garlic clove
1 (finely chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
to taste (none)
garlic-flavored croutons
1 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Cook the ziti pasta according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside.
2
Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it quickly; drain well.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped fresh tomatoes, olive oil, finely chopped onion, balsamic or red wine vinegar, chopped basil, parsley, and minced garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently until well mixed.
4
Add the cooled ziti pasta to the tomato mixture, folding gently to combine without breaking the pasta.
5
Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6
When ready to serve, garnish the salad with garlic-flavored croutons for added crunch and serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
23g
Carbs
4g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Ziti Salad with Tomato and Basil?
It is a Mediterranean-inspired pasta salad featuring fresh plum tomatoes, aromatic herbs like basil and parsley, and a light vinaigrette.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 150 calories per serving.
Is this ziti salad recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is categorized and tagged as vegetarian.
How much fat is in one serving?
Each serving contains 5g of fat.
What type of pasta is required?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of uncooked ziti pasta.
How many carbohydrates does this dish have?
Each serving contains 23g of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in the Mediterranean Ziti Salad?
There are 4g of protein per serving.
Does this salad contain fiber?
Yes, the salad provides 1g of fiber per serving.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using 3 cups of chopped fresh plum tomatoes.
How much olive oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of olive oil.
Can I use red wine vinegar instead of balsamic?
Yes, you can use 2 tablespoons of either balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar.
What fresh herbs are needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
How much garlic is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one finely chopped garlic clove.
How should the ziti pasta be cooked?
Cook the ziti according to package directions until it is al dente.
Why should I rinse the pasta under cold water?
Rinsing the pasta stops the cooking process and cools it quickly for the salad.
What goes into the large mixing bowl before adding the pasta?
Combine the tomatoes, olive oil, onion, vinegar, basil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper.
How do I avoid breaking the pasta when mixing?
Fold the cooled ziti pasta gently into the tomato mixture.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour.
What is the benefit of refrigerating the salad?
Refrigeration allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together.
What should I use for a crunchy garnish?
Garnish the salad with 1 cup of garlic-flavored croutons right before serving.
What side dishes pair well with this salad?
It pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken and homemade yeast rolls.
Is this recipe suitable for a potluck?
Yes, it is described as an ideal dish for potlucks and summer gatherings.
How many total ingredients are used in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients listed in the recipe.
What type of onion should be used?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion.
How much salt is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Should this salad be served warm or cold?
This salad is best enjoyed chilled.
How should the plum tomatoes be prepared?
The plum tomatoes should be chopped into pieces.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Tags include salad, pasta salad, Mediterranean, ziti, tomato, basil, and vegetarian.
Is the ziti cooked before or after adding other ingredients?
The ziti is cooked, drained, and cooled before being folded into the tomato and herb mixture.
How is the onion prepared?
The onion should be finely chopped before being added to the bowl.