Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs
Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes and Fresh Herbs is a light, flavorful dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch. It combines al dente pasta with juicy tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and a zesty vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz short pasta (such as fusilli, penne, or farfalle)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Let cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, basil, parsley, and chives.
- In a small bowl or jar, whisk together red wine vinegar (or lemon juice), olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss well to coat evenly.
- Add grated Parmesan if using and toss again.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- Feel free to add mozzarella balls, olives, or cucumbers for extra variety.
- Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 5mg