Pasta Salad With Rocket & Tomato Dressing

This refreshing pasta salad combines tender penne with a bright, acidic dressing made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, and peppery rocket. The warm pasta is tossed with the chilled mixture, creating a perfect balance of hot and cold textures that highlight the fresh flavors of the ingredients. It is an ideal dish for summer picnics, potlucks, or a light weeknight dinner. The simplicity of the recipe allows the quality of the tomatoes and olive oil to shine through, making it a satisfying and healthy option for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Cooking Method: Boiling

Cuisine: Italian

Courses: Salads

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 4

Calories: 93.0

Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian

Description

This refreshing pasta salad combines tender penne with a bright, acidic dressing made from ripe tomatoes, garlic, and peppery rocket. The warm pasta is tossed with the chilled mixture, creating a perfect balance of hot and cold textures that highlight the fresh flavors of the ingredients. It is an ideal dish for summer picnics, potlucks, or a light weeknight dinner. The simplicity of the recipe allows the quality of the tomatoes and olive oil to shine through, making it a satisfying and healthy option for vegetarians and vegans alike.

Ingredients

4 Ripe Tomatoes, peeled,
2 De-seeded and chopped
2 Garlic cloves, chopped finely
2 oz Rocket leaves, chopped coarsely
1 tb Olive oil
8 oz Penne pasta (quills)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1
Place the peeled tomatoes, chopped garlic, and rocket leaves in a large bowl.
2
Add the olive oil and season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
4
Cook the penne pasta in plenty of lightly salted boiling water for 8-10 minutes until al dente.
5
Rinse the pasta well with cold water and drain thoroughly.
6
Toss the drained pasta with the chilled tomato and rocket mixture.
7
Serve immediately, either warm or cold depending on preference.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 93.0kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 9.2g15%
Saturated Fat 5.5g28%
Cholesterol 23.5mg8%
Sodium 15.5mg1%
Total Carbohydrate 5.3g2%
Dietary Fiber 1.2g5%
Sugars 4.0g
Protein 1.6g4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

For a warmer variation, toss the hot, drained pasta directly into the chilled tomato sauce to warm the dressing slightly.

Plum tomatoes are recommended for this recipe as they offer a richer flavor and better texture.

This salad is best served fresh. Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the pasta and fresh vegetables will deteriorate.

Keywords: pasta salad, rocket, tomato dressing, vegan, vegetarian, italian, summer salad, penne, garlic, olive oil, fresh herbs, healthy lunch, side dish, cold pasta, quick meal, picnic food, vegetarian main, tomato based, easy recipe

Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/pasta-salad-with-rocket-tomato-dressing-2/