Delicious Fettuccine Tomato Basil Salad Recipe
Picture this: it’s a warm summer day and you’re hosting an outdoor gathering with friends and family. Everyone is having a great time, but you want to serve up something fresh, flavorful, and easy to make. Look no further than this Fettuccine, Tomato, and Basil Salad recipe.
With its perfect balance of sweet tomatoes, fragrant basil, and tangy parmesan cheese, this pasta salad recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. And the best part? It only takes about 20 minutes to prepare.
But don’t let its simplicity fool you – this salad packs a big punch of flavor that will impress even the most discerning eaters. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different types of pasta or by adding in some protein like grilled chicken or shrimp.
Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish for your next barbecue or an easy lunch option for the week, this Fettuccine, Tomato, and Basil Salad recipe is sure to become a go-to in your repertoire. So grab your apron and get cooking – your taste buds (and your guests) will thank you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, pasta lovers! You do not want to miss out on this mouthwatering tomato, basil and fettuccine salad recipe. I’m telling you now, you will fall head over heels in love with this dish.
First off, fresh and juicy tomatoes are combined with aromatic and fresh basil to create an epic taste explosion that will leave your taste buds tingling with joy. Then, the combination is mixed with parmesan cheese, red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil for a delightful dressing that is both tangy and savory.
But wait, there’s more! The al dente fettuccine noodles provide a satisfying bite to the salad whilst still maintaining its light and refreshing quality – perfect for those hot summer days when cooking is the last thing you want to do.
If you’re looking for a pasta salad recipe that is easy to make but still packs a punch of flavor, look no further. This tomato, basil and fettuccine salad is the perfect dish for any occasion – whether it be a Sunday brunch or a simple weekday dinner. Trust me, your guests will be impressed and begging for seconds.
So what are you waiting for? Get your apron on and head to the kitchen to experience the heavenly flavors of this exquisite pasta salad recipe!
Ingredient List
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of this Fettuccine, Tomato, and Basil Salad. Here’s what you’ll need to make this dish:
Main Ingredients
- Fettuccine Pasta: 1 lb, cooked according to the package directions
- Fresh Tomatoes: 4 cups chopped ripe tomatoes
- Fresh Basil: 1 cup chopped fresh basil
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Dressing Ingredients
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO): 1/2 cup EVOO
- Red Wine Vinegar: 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- Garlic: 2 cloves crushed garlic (optional)
- Salt & Pepper: kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Substitutes & Variations
- Instead of fettuccine pasta, try using rotini or angel hair pasta.
- For a caprese pasta salad, add mozzarella pearls or cubed mozzarella to the salad.
- Add some heat by tossing in some red pepper flakes.
- For a chicken tomato basil pasta salad, add chopped cooked chicken and sun-dried tomatoes.
- For a stronger flavor profile, substitute balsamic vinegar for red wine vinegar or use basil pesto for the dressing.
- Crumbled feta cheese is another great cheese substitution that pairs well with cherry tomatoes.
Make sure to have all these goodies ready for cooking!
The Recipe How-To
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
First thing you need to do is to cook the pasta according to package directions. Be sure to add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water before adding in the pasta. For this recipe, we will be using fettuccine.
Step 2 – Prep the Ingredients
While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to prep the other ingredients. Begin by halving cherry tomatoes, roughly chopping fresh basil, and grating some Parmesan cheese.
Step 3 – Make the Salad Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil (in a ratio of 1:4) with some freshly ground salt and pepper. If you want a more complex flavor profile, you can opt for balsamic vinegar instead of red wine vinegar.
Step 4 – Combine Everything in a Mixing Bowl
Once the pasta is al dente, drain it and rinse under cold water until it has cooled down completely. Next, transfer the cooked fettuccine into a large mixing bowl.
Add in the prepared cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, grated Parmesan cheese, and dressing that you’ve whisked earlier. Toss everything together until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 5 – Add Optional Extras
If you want to make this salad more substantial, there are plenty of optional extras that you can add into your bowl! Try a handful of wilted spinach or arugula for some leafy greens or top with cubed mozzarella or some crumbled feta cheese for extra creaminess.
Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is mixed together, your salad is ready to serve! This Tomato Basil Fettuccine Salad is perfect on its own as a light lunch or served as a side dish for dinner parties. It’s best served chilled or at room temperature so let it sit for a few minutes before giving it another toss and dig in!
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re feeling like experimenting, there are many variations to the classic Fettuccine, Tomato, and Basil Salad that you can try. In fact, that’s what cooking is all about – playing with flavors and ingredients to create something new and exciting.
Here are some substitution ideas for this recipe:
– Pasta: Fettuccine is a great choice for this salad, but you can use any other kind of pasta you like, such as rotini, bow tie pasta or angel hair. You could also try making this a gluten-free dish by using rice pasta.
– Cheese: Instead of parmesan cheese, try using feta cheese or mozzarella pearls. The latter will give your salad an extra burst of creaminess.
– Tomatoes: While cherry tomatoes work well in the recipe, you can also use ripe tomatoes or grape tomatoes. If you want a more intense tomato flavor, try adding sun-dried tomatoes instead.
– Dressing: Red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil make a delicious dressing for this salad, but if you want to mix things up, try using balsamic vinegar or even lemon juice.
– Additional ingredients: To add some protein to the salad, consider adding chicken or shrimp. For a more Mediterranean flavor profile, swap the parmesan for crumbled feta cheese and add chopped Kalamata olives.
Remember to always taste as you go and don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning according to your preferences. With these substitutions and variations, you’ll be able to make this classic Italian pasta salad your own.
Serving and Pairing
Let me tell you something, this salad is an absolute champion of versatility. It’s a fierce fighter that can stand up to any main course and emerge victorious. Like a soldier ready to take on any battlefield, this salad can pair with a wide range of dishes: grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, seafood, steak – you name it.
When serving this dish, I recommend you don’t skimp on presentation. Add some more fresh basil leaves or parmesan shavings on top to make it look like a masterpiece. This way, your guests will be impressed not only by the flavor but also by the sight of this beautiful salad.
And if you’re looking for an excellent wine pairing, go for a light-bodied red such as Chianti or Pinot Noir. But if you prefer white wine, try Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. Either way, I guarantee that this salad will match perfectly with any drink you choose.
So go ahead, serve it at your next party or enjoy it as a side dish with your family dinner. You won’t regret it!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty of this fettuccine tomato basil salad recipe – how to store and reheat it to make sure it still tastes fresh and delicious. Trust me, a good pasta salad is all about the freshness of its ingredients.
To make things easy for you, this pasta salad recipe can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Simply prepare the dish as per instructions and transfer it to an airtight container. Though I must tell you that the taste of fresh tomato and basil deteriorates with time, so make sure not to keep it for too long.
When it comes to reheating this pasta salad, I suggest not to use a microwave, as that may alter the texture of both the pasta and vegetables. Instead, put the mixture in a pan on low heat with some extra virgin olive oil (about a tablespoon) so that everything gets evenly heated.
If you are planning on keeping leftovers, I suggest adding some red wine vinegar and olive oil to the mix after reheating. This will not only amp up its flavor but also give you more of the tasty sauce!
Other tips that I would recommend include refrigerating leftover dressing separately in an air-tight container so that you can just pour it when required instead of drizzling everything at once. Also, make sure that before serving after storing, give it a good mix for even distribution of saucey goodness.
This fettuccine tomato basil salad is perfect for any summer gathering or potluck. It’s light, refreshing, and packed with all your favorite flavors. Plus it’s an easy recipe that can be made ahead!
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking pasta may seem like a no-brainer, but achieving perfection takes some practice. For this recipe, follow these tips to ensure your fettuccine, tomato, and basil salad comes out looking and tasting like a dream.
Firstly, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Make sure to salt your water generously- it’s the only chance you have to flavor the inside of the pasta. It should be al dente and fully cooked but not mushy. Test for doneness by biting into it- it should have a slight firmness to its bite.
While cooking the pasta, prep your other ingredients so that everything’s ready when your pasta is done. You can chop your tomatoes and basil or use cherry tomato halves and whole basil leaves for a rustic texture.
Next, we need to make sure the salad is well-dressed. Whisk together the red wine vinegar and olive oil until emulsified before pouring over the salad. The dressing should be well-balanced in flavor, so adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
For added richness and depth of flavor, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top just before serving.
Lastly, toss all of your ingredients together in a large mixing bowl to combine evenly. Don’t forget to incorporate all those flavorful dressings clinging to the bottom of the bowl!
Following these tips will help you achieve perfect results every time you prepare this dish!
Bottom Line
So what are you waiting for? Grab your apron and get to making this delicious Fettuccine, Tomato, and Basil Salad recipe! Trust me, your taste buds (and guests) will thank you. With the fresh ingredients like juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil leaves, and flavorful parmesan cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering or party. And don’t forget the extra virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar dressing that adds a tangy twist to the pasta salad.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is easy to follow with detailed instructions and helpful tips along the way. Plus, there are options for substitutions and variations so you can make it your own. Serve it on its own as a light lunch or side dish, or pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal.
If you make too much, don’t worry – this salad can be stored in the fridge for up to three days and reheated easily for a quick lunch or snack. And with the option of making it ahead of time, you’ll have more time to focus on your guests or simply enjoy your own party without worrying about cooking last minute dishes.
So go ahead and give this delicious Fettuccine, Tomato, and Basil Salad recipe a try. With its fresh flavors and simple yet elegant appearance, it’s sure to impress any crowd. Who knows – you may just have found your new go-to pasta salad recipe!
Fettuccine, Tomato, and Basil Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (9 ounce) package fettuccine
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup basil, chopped fresh (or 1 tablespoon dried basil, crushed)
- 1 lb fresh tomato, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions.
- Toss pasta with oil, vinegar and cheese; add basil and tomatoes. Season with salt and ground black pepper.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!