Sicilian Cold Pasta Salad

Transport your taste buds to the sunny streets of Sicily with this vibrant Sicilian Cold Pasta Salad, a refreshing and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for summer gatherings or light lunches. Featuring al dente fusilli pasta, sweet cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny black olives, and zesty capers, this recipe bursts with bold Mediterranean flavors. A drizzle of tangy red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil ties it all together, while fresh basil adds a fragrant, herbal touch. Ready in just 30 minutes and served chilled, this pasta salad pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood. Optional Parmesan cheese lends a savory finish, making it a versatile dish that can double as a side or a main course. With its mix of fresh, wholesome ingredients and easy preparation, Sicilian Cold Pasta Salad is a must-try recipe for lovers of Italian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 400 grams Fusilli pasta
• 250 grams Cherry tomatoes
• 1 large Cucumber
• 100 grams Black olives
• 2 tablespoons Capers
• 1 small Red onion
• 10 leaves Fresh basil leaves
• 4 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
• 50 grams Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the fusilli pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down. Set aside to allow it to dry slightly.

Step 2

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the vegetables. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, thinly slice the red onion, and chop the basil leaves into thin ribbons.

Step 3

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, capers, red onion, and basil.

Step 4

In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss everything together until well combined and evenly coated.

Step 6

Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.

Step 7

Refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Optional: Before serving, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.

Step 9

Serve the Sicilian Cold Pasta Salad chilled as a side dish or a light main course. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1423.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2369.8

Total Fat 88.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 20.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 40mg	0%
Sodium 1947.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 332.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 21.5g	0%
Total Sugars 26.0g
Protein 74.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 859.6mg	0%
Iron 14.5mg	0%
Potassium 2062.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 32.8%

Protein: 12.3%

Carbs: 54.9%