Let me tell you, this Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes has become one of my absolute favorites, especially during the warmer months! There’s just something so vibrant and fresh about those heirloom tomatoes—they’re like little bursts of sunshine in every bite. I remember the first time I made this salad; I had a bounty of heirloom tomatoes from the farmer’s market, and I couldn’t resist showcasing their rich colors and flavors. The combination of the tender pasta, crisp cucumbers, and fragrant basil is pure magic! Plus, it’s so quick to whip up; it practically makes itself! Whether I’m serving it at a backyard barbecue or just enjoying it solo on a lazy afternoon, this salad always hits the spot. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes. I like to keep it simple but fresh, so you can really taste each ingredient. Make sure to grab the best heirloom tomatoes you can find; they’re the star of the show!

• 2 cups of your favorite pasta (I love using farfalle or penne for this salad!)
• 1 cup heirloom tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces (mix up the colors for a beautiful presentation!)
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced (I usually go for English cucumbers—they’re crisp and refreshing!)
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced (just enough to add a little zing without overpowering the salad)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (the more, the merrier—basil adds such a lovely aroma!)
• 1/4 cup olive oil (extra virgin is my go-to for that rich flavor)
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (this brings everything together with a tangy kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy—seasoning is key!)

How to Prepare Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes

Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this gorgeous salad! I promise it’s super easy, and the results are totally worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a refreshing dish ready in no time!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of your favorite pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Seriously, don’t overcook it; we want that perfect bite! Once it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This little trick keeps it from getting mushy. Set it aside to cool completely—trust me, a little patience here makes a big difference!

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the chopped heirloom tomatoes, diced cucumber, red onion, and fresh basil. Oh, and if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to toss in any other veggies you love! I usually give everything a gentle stir to mix it up without squishing the tomatoes. The colors are going to look so beautiful together!

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Now for the magic potion—the dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar until it’s well combined. You want that smooth, luscious texture. Give it a taste—if it needs a little more zing, don’t hesitate to add a pinch of salt or pepper!

Step 4: Toss the Salad

Here comes the fun part! Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss everything together until every bite is coated in that delicious dressing. I usually use two large spoons for this; it’s all about being gentle and ensuring everything gets a good mix without losing any of that vibrant freshness!

Step 5: Season and Chill

Before you dive in, give the salad a good sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. Mix it up one last time! Now, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is key here—it allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully, and you’ll be rewarded with a refreshing taste explosion when you finally serve it!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes turns out absolutely perfect! I’ve got a few handy tips that will take your salad from good to spectacular.

• Don’t overcook the pasta: This is super important! You want that al dente texture, so keep an eye on it while it cooks. Nobody likes mushy pasta in a salad!
• Chill time: Seriously, don’t skip the chilling step! It’s when all the flavors come together and deepen. If you can, let it chill a bit longer than 30 minutes—it’ll be even tastier!
• Veggie variety: Feel free to mix in other veggies! Bell peppers, zucchini, or even olives can add a fun twist. Just make sure to keep the colors vibrant for a stunning presentation!
• Fresh herbs: While basil is my go-to, don’t hesitate to experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or oregano. They can add a whole new layer of flavor!
• Make it a meal: Want to turn this salad into a heartier dish? Add some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for an extra protein boost!
• Use high-quality olive oil: It makes a difference! A good-quality extra virgin olive oil will elevate the dressing, so choose one that you enjoy the taste of.
• Leftover love: If you have any leftovers, don’t worry! This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Just give it a quick stir before serving, as the dressing may settle.

With these tips in your back pocket, I just know your pasta salad is going to be a hit! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: This salad comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings!
• Packed with fresh flavors: The combination of heirloom tomatoes, crisp cucumber, and fragrant basil creates a burst of freshness in every bite.
• Healthy and satisfying: With wholesome ingredients and a balance of carbs, healthy fats, and veggies, this salad is both nutritious and delicious.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or proteins to make it your own! The possibilities are endless, and it’s a great way to use up what you have on hand.
• Perfect for meal prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, so you can whip it up ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week!
• Great for any occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, barbecue, or just a simple lunch at home, this pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the lowdown on the nutritional goodness packed into each serving of this Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes! Remember, these values are approximate, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 220
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Protein: 6g

This salad is not only refreshing but also a fantastic way to get those nutrients in while enjoying a burst of flavors. So dig in and feel good about what you’re eating!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making this Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my trusty answers to help you out.

Can I use other vegetables?

Absolutely! This salad is super versatile, so feel free to get creative. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted veggies can be great additions. Just make sure to keep the colors vibrant for that beautiful presentation!

How long does the salad keep?

This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to develop, which is a bonus! Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing may settle a bit.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You bet! This salad is perfect for making ahead of time. Just whip it up a day in advance, let it chill in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to serve. It’s a great option for meal prep or potlucks!

What type of pasta works best?

I love using farfalle or penne, but really, you can use any type of pasta you like! Just keep in mind that the shape can affect how well the dressing clings to the pasta.

Can I add protein to this salad?

Definitely! Adding some cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas can make this salad a heartier meal. It’s a great way to boost the protein while still keeping it fresh and delicious!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve enjoyed your Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers properly. If you have any salad left, just transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep well for up to three days, and trust me, the flavors just get better as they mingle!

When you’re ready to dive back in, give it a good stir to redistribute the dressing, as it tends to settle a bit in the fridge. If it seems a tad dry, just drizzle a little olive oil or balsamic vinegar over the top and mix it in. This little refresh will bring back that lovely flavor and texture!

Remember, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is needed. Just grab a fork and dig in! You might find that it tastes even better the next day—if it lasts that long, of course!

Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes: 5 Fresh Flavor Hacks

---

• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A refreshing pasta salad featuring heirloom tomatoes.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups pasta
• 1 cup heirloom tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, and basil.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
4. Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use any type of pasta for this recipe.
• Feel free to add other vegetables.
• This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to three days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Pasta Salad with Heirloom Tomatoes