Vegetarian Pasta Salad with Basil

Ingredients

• 1 pound of pasta, any shape
• 1/2 cup of olive oil
• 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup of black olives, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain the pasta and let it cool under cold water. Place the pasta in a large mixing bowl.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and minced garlic.
4. Pour the dressing over the cooked pasta and toss until evenly coated.
5. Add the cherry tomatoes, basil, and black olives to the pasta bowl. Toss everything together until evenly distributed.
6. Salt and pepper to taste.
7. Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Verdict

This vegetarian pasta salad with basil is refreshing, flavorful, and perfect for a hot summer day. The combination of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and olive oil dressing with the freshness of cherry tomatoes and basil creates a perfect balance of flavors. Make sure to refrigerate the pasta salad before serving to allow all the flavors to blend together.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad can be served as a light lunch or a side dish for a barbecue or potluck. You can also add some grilled chicken or shrimp to make it a complete meal. Serve chilled and garnish with some extra basil leaves if desired.