Description
A refreshing and flavorful Italian Pasta Salad featuring penne pasta, grape tomatoes, shaved parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, all tossed in a zesty Italian-seasoned dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 (16-oz) box penne pasta
Dressing
- â…” cup olive oil
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp Italian seasoning
Salad Mix
- ¾ cup grape tomatoes, cut into halves
- 1½ cups shaved parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and allow it to cool completely to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Prepare Dressing and Combine: In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and Italian seasoning until well blended. Add the cooled pasta, halved grape tomatoes, shaved parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh basil to the dressing. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid, and refrigerate the salad for at least 8 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Notes
- For best flavor, prepare the salad a day ahead to allow adequate time for chilling.
- You can substitute penne pasta with other short pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli.
- Feel free to add vegetables such as cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- Use freshly grated parmesan if shaved parmesan is unavailable.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
