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Caprese Quinoa Pasta Salad

Caprese Quinoa Pasta Salad

  • Author: David
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Caprese Quinoa Pasta Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and nutritious plant-based dish combining quinoa pasta with juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy plant-based cheese, fresh basil, and a zesty natural gelling agent dressing. This wholesome and colorful salad is perfect as a light meal or side dish and offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 200g quinoa pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 150g plant-based cheese, cubed
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped

Dressing

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Quinoa Pasta: Begin by cooking the quinoa pasta in plenty of salted boiling water, following the package instructions until al dente. This will ensure a pleasant texture that holds well in the salad.
  2. Prepare the Cherry Tomatoes and Plant-Based Cheese: While the pasta cooks, rinse and halve the cherry tomatoes to release their juicy sweetness. Cut the plant-based cheese into small cubes or bite-sized pieces to complement the tomatoes evenly.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, natural gelling agent, garlic powder (natural), salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk until the dressing has a smooth, slightly thick consistency that will cling beautifully to the salad ingredients.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Drain the quinoa pasta well and transfer it into a large mixing bowl. Add the cherry tomatoes, plant-based cheese, and finely chopped fresh basil. Pour over the dressing and toss gently, ensuring that every strand and bite is coated with flavor.
  5. Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This step lets the flavors meld together for an even more delightful experience.

Notes

  • Cook pasta perfectly: Avoid overcooking the quinoa pasta to maintain a pleasant, chewy texture.
  • Use ripe tomatoes: The fresher and riper the cherry tomatoes, the sweeter and juicier your salad will be.
  • Dress just before serving: Toss the salad with dressing right before serving to keep ingredients fresh and vibrant.
  • Chill properly: Letting the salad rest in the fridge enhances the melding of flavors.
  • Fresh basil last: Add fresh basil just before serving to keep its aroma bright and intact.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Caprese salad, quinoa pasta salad, plant-based, gluten free, fresh salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://yummyrecipeszone.com/caprese-quinoa-pasta-salad/