Penne With Plum Tomatoes And Cucumbers In Basil Vinaigrette
A vibrant pasta salad featuring fresh plum tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and aromatic basil vinaigrette, perfect for warm days and casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. plum tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1/2 c. olive oil ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 1 lb. penne or other long tubular pasta ⓘ
- 1 small cucumber, pared, halved lengthwise, seeds removed, and sliced thick into half-moons ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped red onion
- 1/2 c. chopped roasted red bell pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped basil ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine the tomatoes, oil, basil, vinegar, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cook the pasta in plenty of boiling salted water until firm to the bite, about 10 minutes; drain.
- Combine the cooked pasta, tomato mixture, cucumber, red onion, and red peppers; toss to blend. Serve at room temperature.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the cucumbers in a bit of vinegar while the pasta cooks. If you prefer a different pasta shape, feel free to substitute with fusilli or farfalle. Fresh basil is ideal, but dried basil can work in a pinch. If you want a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes. This dish is versatile, making it a great option for a picnic or potluck.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant dish at room temperature as a light main course or a side. It pairs beautifully with Braised Green Beans or a refreshing Cucumber Side Salad for a complete meal. For a heartier option, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. This recipe is perfect for Mediterranean recipes lovers and can be enjoyed year-round.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent sticking. This dish is also delicious served cold, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Penne With Plum Tomatoes And Cucumbers In Basil Vinaigrette contains roughly 1026 calories, with 32g protein, 181g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (175% of the Daily Value), protein (63% of the Daily Value), and iron (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 11g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works well, you can use other tubular pastas like rigatoni or even shorter shapes like orecchiette. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose to ensure it remains al dente.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or legumes. These alternatives will maintain the dish's integrity while accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tomato and vinaigrette mixture a few hours in advance, but it's best to add the cucumbers just before serving to keep them crisp. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while maintaining freshness.
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).