Garlic Pasta Salad
Bursting with bold flavors and vibrant colors, this Garlic Pasta Salad is the perfect side dish or light main course for any occasion. Made with tender penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, savory black olives, and a zesty homemade garlic dressing, this dish strikes the perfect balance between fresh and indulgent. The dressing, a luxurious blend of minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, tangy lemon juice, and grated Parmesan, infuses every bite with rich, mouthwatering flavor. Topped with freshly chopped parsley and a touch of black pepper, this pasta salad is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ready in just 25 minutes and best served chilled, it’s an easy, make-ahead recipe ideal for picnics, potlucks, or simple weeknight dinners.
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Ingredients
- 300 grams penne pasta
- 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 large garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 50 grams grated Parmesan cheese
- 200 grams cherry tomatoes
- 100 grams black olives, pitted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions (around 10 minutes), until al dente. Drain and let cool.
Step 2
While the pasta cooks, prepare the garlic dressing. Mince the garlic cloves finely or use a garlic press.
Step 3
In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
Step 4
Halve the cherry tomatoes and set aside. Slice the black olives into rounds if desired.
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, and chopped parsley.
Step 6
Pour the garlic dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently to coat everything evenly with the dressing.
Step 7
Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or black pepper, if needed.
Step 8
Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld together.
Step 9
Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with additional grated Parmesan or parsley, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | 778.8 grams (778.8g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2003 |
| Total Fat 93.60g | 120% |
| Saturated Fat 21.40g | 107% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g | |
| Cholesterol 50mg | 17% |
| Sodium 3998mg | 174% |
| Total Carbohydrate 245.40g | 89% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.00g | 64% |
| Total Sugars 6.10g | |
| Protein 62.70g | 125% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 705mg | 54% |
| Iron 15mg | 81% |
| Potassium 1352mg | 29% |
Source of Calories