Italian Basil, Tomato, and Pasta Salad
Recipe from Better Homes and Gardens

This fresh side salad recipe, perfect for a potluck or cookout, uses lots of basil. Make it when basil is in full supply, in the garden or at the market, during the height of summer.


Italian Basil, Tomato, and Pasta Salad


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Prep Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 4 hrs 45 mins
Servings: 16 servings
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Ingredients
 
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  • 1/2  cup  red wine vinegarOn Sale
  • 2  tablespoons  Dijon-style mustardOn Sale
  • 1/4  teaspoon  black pepperOn Sale
  • 2  cloves  garlic, mincedOn Sale
  • 1/2  cup  olive oilOn Sale
  • 1/2  cup  slivered fresh basilOn Sale
  • 8  ounces  dried pasta (such as rotini, bow ties, shells, cavatelli, or penne)On Sale
  • 2  9-ounce packages  frozen cut green beansOn Sale
  • 6  medium  tomatoes, cut into thin wedgesOn Sale
  • 1  cup  sliced pitted kalamata olives or ripe olivesOn Sale
  • 2  cups  loosely packed fresh basil leavesOn Sale
  • 3/4  cup (3 oz.)  finely shredded Parmesan cheeseOn Sale
  • 3  tablespoons  snipped fresh parsleyOn Sale
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Directions
1.
For dressing, in a small bowl whisk together vinegar, mustard, pepper, and garlic. Gradually whisk in oil. Stir in the slivered basil. Set dressing aside.
2.
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again.
3.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan cook frozen beans according to package directions; drain. Rinse with cold water; drain again.
4.
Toss one-third of the dressing with the cooked pasta; place pasta in the bottom of a very large salad bowl. Layer ingredients on top of the pasta in the following order: cooked green beans, tomatoes, and olives. Top with remaining dressing. Sprinkle with the basil leaves, the Parmesan cheese, and parsley. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours. To serve, toss lightly to combine. Makes 16 servings.

To Tote
Transport in an insulated cooler with ice packs.

For 8 Servings
Prepare using method above, except assemble salad in a large salad bowl.
Nutrition information
Calories 173, Total Fat 10 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Monounsaturated Fat 6 g, Polyunsaturated Fat 1 g, Cholesterol 5 mg, Sodium 167 mg, Carbohydrate 17 g, Total Sugar 2 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 5 g. Daily Values: Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 26%, Calcium 8%, Iron 7%. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
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how-tos
How to Make an Italian Salad
Sometimes, the craving for Italian flavors and spices strikes, but you're not quite hungry enough for a meal as hearty and filling as lasagna or spaghetti and meatballs. Italian fare doesn't have to involve oversize helpings of pasta oozing cheese. Knowing how to make an Italian salad is a flavorful way to indulge your yearnings without overwhelming your appetite--or sacrificing your waistline.

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