Tomato Basil Spiral Delight
Bursting with flavor and freshness, the Tomato Basil Spiral Delight is a perfect dish for any occasion. This vibrant pasta salad combines tender spiral pasta with juicy diced tomatoes and aromatic dried basil, all tossed in a light and zesty dressing. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, this dish not only looks appealing but also offers a delicious balance of tastes that will delight your palate. Great as a side dish at barbecues, a light lunch, or even as a colorful addition to a picnic spread, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Uncooked spiral-shaped pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
Diced fresh tomatoes
2 1/2 cups (diced)
Dried basil
1 tablespoon (dried)
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup (liquid)
Cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (liquid)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (seasoning)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (seasoning)
Grated Parmesan cheese
6 tablespoons (grated)
Instructions
1
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the spiral pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and let cool slightly.
2
While the pasta is cooking, combine the diced fresh tomatoes and dried basil in a large serving bowl.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
4
Add the drained pasta to the tomato mixture and pour the oil dressing over the top.
5
Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
6
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and give it one last light toss to combine.
7
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes for a chilled salad that's even more refreshing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tomato Basil Spiral Delight?
It is a vibrant pasta salad that combines tender spiral pasta with juicy diced tomatoes and aromatic dried basil in a zesty dressing.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What kind of pasta should I use for this dish?
You should use 8 ounces of uncooked spiral-shaped pasta, such as rotini or fusilli.
What are the main ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing consists of vegetable oil, cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Is fresh basil used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 tablespoon of dried basil to be mixed with the tomatoes.
How should I cook the pasta?
Cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package directions until it is al dente.
What type of cheese is used as a topping?
The dish is topped with 6 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I serve this dish warm?
Yes, it can be served immediately while the pasta is still slightly warm.
Is it better to serve this dish chilled?
For a more refreshing salad, you can refrigerate it for 30 minutes before serving.
What is the preparation for the tomatoes?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of fresh tomatoes that have been diced.
How much garlic is included in the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 minced garlic cloves.
What type of vinegar is recommended?
Cider vinegar is recommended for the zesty dressing.
Is this dish suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a colorful and great addition to a picnic spread.
Is this a vegetarian recipe?
Yes, it is categorized as a vegetable dish and contains no meat.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How many total ingredients are needed?
There are 9 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Should the pasta be cooled before mixing?
The instructions suggest letting the pasta cool slightly after draining before adding it to the tomato mixture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pasta salad, vegetable dish, tomato basil, light lunch, side dish, easy recipe, and fresh ingredients.
Is the Parmesan cheese mixed in or just sprinkled?
It is sprinkled on top and then given one last light toss to combine.
What is the primary category of this recipe?
The recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
How do you prepare the dressing?
Whisk together the vegetable oil, cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
Can this be a main course?
While great as a side dish, it is also tagged as a light lunch option.
What is the texture of the tomatoes in this salad?
The tomatoes are fresh and diced, providing a juicy and vibrant texture.
Is there nutritional information available?
No, calorie and macro-nutrient data are currently not specified in this recipe record.
What oil is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of vegetable oil.
Does the recipe require cooking the tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes are kept fresh and raw to maintain their flavor and texture.
Is this an easy recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is specifically tagged as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions.
When should I add the dressing?
Pour the dressing over the top once the drained pasta has been added to the tomato and basil mixture.
Can I use a different shape of pasta?
The recipe specifies spiral-shaped pasta to hold the dressing and herbs effectively.
Is the garlic raw in the dressing?
Yes, the garlic is minced and whisked raw into the dressing ingredients.