Creamy balsamic pasta salad is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of a balsamic dressing with the heartiness of pasta. It is a very quick and easy recipe, which makes it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful addition to your summer potluck.
With its vibrant colors and fresh flavor, balsamic pasta salad is the superstar of summer.
It is so quick and easy and it keeps in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. That is, if you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers.
Here are 3 other salad recipes that are great for summer gatherings!
Not a lot of ingredients but a heck of a lot of creamy flavor!
- 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or bowties work wonders)
- 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves (because we all need a little Popeye power)
- 1 pint of vibrant cherry tomatoes (the miniature powerhouses of flavor)
- 8 ounces of bite-sized mozzarella cheese (cue the applause for the cheesy goodness)
- 1/4 cup of tangy mayonnaise (the secret ingredient for creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar (let the tangy twang shine)
- 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil (the Mediterranean magic)
- Salt and pepper to taste (because seasoning is the spice of life)
How about some variations to tickle your taste buds?
- Nutty Delight: Boost the crunch factor by sprinkling some toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds.
- Herb Haven: Amp up the freshness by adding a handful of chopped fresh basil or mint leaves.
- Mediterranean Escape: Toss in some marinated artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers for a taste of the Mediterranean.
Remember, this recipe is just the beginning. Feel free to experiment, get creative, and make it your own. After all, cooking should be an adventure filled with laughter, taste explosions, and perhaps a few pasta twirls in the kitchen. Bon appétit!
The BEST Quick and Easy Balsamic Pasta Salad
Creamy balsamic pasta salad is a delightful dish that combines the freshness of a balsamic dressing with the heartiness of pasta. So quick and easy, it is perfect for a busy schedule!
Ingredients
- 8 ounce pasta of your choice
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 8 ounces fresh mozzarella bite sized cubes
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp olive oil extra virgin
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta as per the instructions on the box.
- In a large bowl, add in the mayonnaise, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
- Once pasta is fully cooked, drain and rinse in cold water until pasta is cool.
- Add the pasta, tomatoes, spinach and mozzarella cheese to the dressing in the large bowl and mix well.
- Serve!
Just saw this comment section now! Can I use Hellman’s vegan dressing instead of mayo?
Making this on Sunday!
Absolutely you can! You will still get a deliciously creamy dressing. Enjoy!
Tera, this is absolutely fantastic!! I now have an A1 recipe for any potluck!!
So happy that you enjoyed it!