Get ready to transform your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience with this vibrant Whole Wheat Pasta Salad! Imagine a refreshing dish that combines the hearty goodness of whole wheat pasta with a tantalizing honey basil balsamic vinaigrette that will transport your senses straight to the sun-drenched hills of Italy. This isn't just another pasta salad – it's a symphony of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and nutritious goodness that will become your new go-to recipe for summer gatherings, quick lunches, or a delightful side dish that steals the show!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add whole wheat pasta to boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Wash and halve cherry tomatoes, dice cucumber into small cubes, and finely chop red onion.
- Drain pasta in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking process and cool down the pasta quickly.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper to create the vinaigrette.
- In a large serving bowl, combine cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- Pour the honey basil balsamic vinaigrette over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves if desired.
Tips
- For the best texture, make sure to rinse your pasta with cold water immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping.
- Allow the salad to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving – this gives the flavors time to mingle and intensify.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients, especially the basil and balsamic vinegar, to elevate the overall taste of the dish.
- If you want to add extra protein, consider mixing in some grilled chicken, chickpeas, or crumbled feta cheese.
- The vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making meal prep a breeze.
- For a gluten-free version, simply substitute the whole wheat pasta with your favorite gluten-free alternative.
- Always taste and adjust the seasoning just before serving – a little extra pinch of salt or fresh basil can make all the difference!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
