Summer Delight Pasta Salad with Sweet Basil Vinaigrette
This vibrant and refreshing Summer Delight Pasta Salad is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or any sunny gathering. Featuring al dente medium pasta shells tossed with vibrant red radishes, fresh sweet peas, briny olives, and creamy cheddar cheese, this salad is both colorful and nutritious. The homemade Honey Dijon Vinaigrette adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, while chiffonade basil infuses the dish with aromatic freshness. Enjoy it chilled, and let the flavors transport you to a sunny afternoon!
N/A
Servings
250
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
garlic clove
1 (peeled, grated)
Dijon mustard
1.5 teaspoons
apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons
water
1 tablespoon
extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup
honey
1 teaspoon
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
medium pasta shells
8 ounces
red radishes
4 (sliced thin)
sweet peas
1 cup (defrosted)
ripe olives
1/4 cup (sliced)
cheddar cheese
4 ounces (cut in 1/2 inch cubes)
red onion
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
basil
1/8-1/4 cup (chiffonade)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette. In a jar with a tightly fitting lid, combine the grated garlic, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, water, extra virgin olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper. Seal the jar and shake vigorously until all the ingredients are well blended. Set aside.
2
Next, bring 2 quarts of salted water to a boil in a large pot. Once boiling, add the medium pasta shells and cook according to package instructions, typically around 10 minutes, until al dente.
3
Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cool running water for 2 to 3 minutes to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, sliced radishes, defrosted sweet peas, sliced olives, diced cheddar cheese, and finely chopped red onion. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
5
Add the chiffonade basil and drizzle the prepared Honey Dijon Vinaigrette over the salad. Gently stir everything together until all components are coated with the dressing.
6
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled and enjoy your delicious summer pasta salad!
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Summer Delight Pasta Salad with Sweet Basil Vinaigrette.
Is this pasta salad suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of medium pasta shells.
How long should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the pasta shells according to the package instructions, typically for about 10 minutes until al dente.
Why should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Rinsing the pasta under cool running water for 2 to 3 minutes stops the cooking process and cools it for the salad.
What is in the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette?
The dressing consists of grated garlic, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, water, extra virgin olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper.
How do I prepare the dressing?
Combine all the vinaigrette ingredients in a jar with a tight lid and shake vigorously until well blended.
How much extra virgin olive oil is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil.
What kind of vinegar is used for the vinaigrette?
This recipe uses 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
How should the garlic be prepared for the dressing?
The garlic clove should be peeled and grated.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad contains sliced red radishes, defrosted sweet peas, sliced ripe olives, and finely chopped red onion.
How should the radishes be sliced?
The red radishes should be sliced thin.
Do I need to cook the sweet peas?
No, you simply need 1 cup of defrosted sweet peas.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of cheddar cheese.
How should the cheddar cheese be cut?
The cheese should be cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
What type of onion is used in the pasta salad?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion.
How should the basil be cut?
The basil should be cut into a chiffonade, which means thin strips.
How much basil is required?
The recipe suggests using between 1/8 to 1/4 cup of basil.
How many calories are in a serving of this salad?
There are 250 calories per serving.
How much protein is in this recipe?
There is 8g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 12g of fat.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why is the salad refrigerated before serving?
Refrigeration allows the flavors of the ingredients and the vinaigrette to meld together.
How should this salad be served?
This salad is best served chilled.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is explicitly described as a vibrant and refreshing salad perfect for picnics and barbecues.
How much water do I need to boil the pasta?
You need 2 quarts of salted water.
What is the first step in making this salad?
The first step is preparing the Honey Dijon Vinaigrette in a jar.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 15 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
What type of mustard is used?
The recipe specifies 1.5 teaspoons of Dijon mustard.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While the recipe suggests medium pasta shells, you can use other shapes, though shells are traditional for this specific dish.