Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Tomato-Basil Pasta salad


This is such a nice summertime recipe. It's great if you have an abundance of tomatoes and basil from your garden like I do.

We usually eat meatless meals once or twice a week. It's good for us, plus it's easy on the pocketbook (especially if some of the ingredients are homegrown). I served this with garlic breadsticks.

3 large ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped (about 3 1/2 cups)
1/3 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. minced garlic
1/2 tsp each salt and pepper
1/4 tsp dried oregano
12 oz. fusilli pasta (or your favorite pasta)
1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1. Put tomatoes, onion, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano in a large bowl; toss. let stand at room temperature at least 30 minutes or until tomatoes release their juices, tossing occasionally.

2. Cook pasta as package directs. Drain and add to bowl with tomatoes; lightly toss. Let come to room temperature. Add basil; toss. Serve or refrigerate up to 1 day.

6 comments:

Amanda said...

I haven't stopped by in awhile. I see you've jumped up to 3 columns. I've just learned to do this myself. Did you know you can widen your sidebars?

This website: http://tips-for-new-bloggers.blogspot.com/2007/02/three-columns-blogger-template.html

will tell you how it's done. Just scroll down a little past "Three columns Minima Template" and you'll see the instructions.

Love your new background too, btw! :)

Liisa said...

Oh this looks so good - I just love pasta salads so we will have to give this one a try!

Blessings,
Liisa

Elizabeth said...

Hi! Just a first time visitor saying hello. I will certainly be back!

Anonymous said...

This sounds delicious!

I actually have fresh basil and great tomatoes sitting upstairs in the kitchen from a local farm stand!

Looks like I'll be taking your suggestion and serving this for dinner tonight...can't wait!

Candace said...

I will try this recipe, it looks delicious, and now that my son is a vegetarian, it will give him something to sink his teeth into when he visits. Congratulations on your new laptop. I love mine, and I'm sure you'll enjoy yours, too.

peachy said...

Aftermy birthday party last night I was looking for something quick but tasty and so I am cooking it now....