Parmesan Pasta Salad
A vibrant pasta salad featuring fresh broccoli, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese, dressed in a flavorful garlic and basil oil, perfect for light lunches or picnics.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat.
- Add broccoli, scallions, basil, and salt.
- Toss and stir until broccoli is tender-crisp, about 4 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Toss with cooked and drained pasta, Parmesan cheese, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Chill well, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using olive oil infused with garlic or herbs. If you don't have broccoli, asparagus or bell peppers can be great substitutes. To make this pasta salad heartier, add some cooked chicken or chickpeas. Feel free to adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese according to your taste preferences. This salad can be served warm or cold.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Parmesan Pasta Salad as a light lunch or as a side dish at your next barbecue. It pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or seafood. For a complete Italian meal, consider serving it alongside Grandma's Famous Lasagna(Yield: 8-10 Servings) or a fresh garden salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the pasta salad seems dry after refrigeration, toss it with a little olive oil or a splash of lemon juice before serving. This will help revive the flavors and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Parmesan Pasta Salad contains roughly 222 calories, with 4g protein, 19g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1811mg per serving (79% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta salad can be made ahead of time. It's actually better if it sits for a few hours in the refrigerator, as the flavors meld together. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Any short pasta works well for this salad, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle. These shapes hold the dressing and ingredients better than long pasta. Cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad with other vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, or olives. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, but you can also use sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).