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If you’re on the lookout for a vibrant, light, and utterly delicious dish to bring to your next gathering or just enjoy as a refreshing weeknight dinner, the Angel Hair Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Black Olives, and Parmesan Recipe is exactly what you need. This salad combines the delicate strands of angel hair pasta with the juicy pop of cherry tomatoes, the briny bite of black olives, and the nutty richness of Parmesan cheese, all tied together by a zesty Italian dressing. It’s a colorful, textural delight that’s as easy to make as it is to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Angel Hair Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Black Olives, and Parmesan Recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting that perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this salad truly stand out.
- 250 g angel hair pasta: The thin, delicate strands cook quickly and soak up the dressing beautifully without overpowering the veggies.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy and sweet, they add vibrant color and a fresh burst of flavor with every bite.
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced: These add a salty, briny contrast that balances out the sweetness of the tomatoes.
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots: Bright orange and crisp, carrots bring subtle earthiness and extra texture.
- 1 red bell pepper, diced: Adds crunch and a mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty and savory, it gives the salad a creamy finish and enhances overall depth of flavor.
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing: This zesty vinaigrette ties everything together with herbs and tanginess.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, herbal note and a pop of fresh green color to brighten the dish.
How to Make Angel Hair Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Black Olives, and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook it for around 4 to 5 minutes until it’s perfectly al dente—soft but with a tiny bit of bite. Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep those delicate strands from sticking together. This step ensures your pasta salad remains light and fresh.
Step 2: Prep Your Fresh Vegetables
While the pasta cools, halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, shred the carrots, dice the red bell pepper, and chop the fresh parsley. Each vegetable contributes its own unique crunch, sweetness, or subtle bite to the salad, making the combination irresistibly vibrant.
Step 3: Combine and Toss
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled angel hair pasta with the cherry tomatoes, black olives, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, and chopped parsley. Pour over the Italian dressing and toss everything together carefully to ensure every strand of pasta and each colorful veggie is lightly coated without being overwhelmed.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Chill
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and give the salad one more gentle toss to distribute the creamy, nutty goodness evenly. Refrigerate your Angel Hair Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Black Olives, and Parmesan Recipe for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop into a harmonious blend that’s simply divine.
How to Serve Angel Hair Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Black Olives, and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, consider adding a few whole fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan just before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil can add a lovely sheen and subtle richness. These small details elevate the salad, making it perfect for company or a special weekend treat.
Side Dishes
This pasta salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seared shrimp, or even a simple loaf of crusty artisan bread to soak up any leftover dressing. For a meat-free meal, complement it with roasted vegetables or a light soup for a balanced and satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Angel Hair Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Black Olives, and Parmesan Recipe in individual mason jars for an adorable picnic or party presentation. Alternatively, plate it on a large serving tray with fresh herb sprigs for a rustic, family-style vibe. It’s a dish that looks as incredible as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop more depth after a few hours, making it taste even better the next day. Just give it a gentle toss before serving again to refresh the ingredients.
Freezing
This particular salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well since the fresh vegetables and tender pasta can become mushy when thawed. For best taste and texture, stick to making it fresh or consuming leftovers within a couple of days.
Reheating
Because it’s a cold pasta salad, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly less chilled, simply let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to bring out all the lovely aromas and flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of angel hair?
Absolutely! While angel hair is fantastic for its delicate texture, you can substitute with thin spaghetti or even small pasta shapes like orzo or fusilli, depending on what you have on hand.
Is there a way to make this salad vegan?
Yes! Simply swap the Parmesan cheese for a vegan cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy, and pick a vegan Italian dressing.
How long does this pasta salad keep in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays great for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a day, but the veggies should still have a nice crunch.
Can I add protein to make this a full meal?
Definitely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas make excellent protein additions that complement the salad’s bright flavors.
What other dressings can I use if I don’t have Italian dressing?
You can mix olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create a quick homemade Italian dressing substitute that’s just as flavorful.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Angel Hair Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Black Olives, and Parmesan Recipe that makes it a go-to for any occasion. It’s fresh, colorful, full of delightful textures, and bursting with flavor—plus, it’s incredibly easy to put together. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and find it as satisfying and delicious as I do. It’s one of those dishes that just makes every meal feel a little more joyful and bright.
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Angel Hair Pasta Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Black Olives, and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A light and refreshing Angel Hair Pasta Salad featuring delicate angel hair pasta combined with fresh cherry tomatoes, black olives, shredded carrots, and red bell pepper, all tossed in flavorful Italian dressing and topped with grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect as a quick side dish or a light meal, this salad is simple to prepare and served chilled for optimum taste.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 250 g angel hair pasta
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing and Toppings
- 1/2 cup Italian dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook for 4-5 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Prepare Vegetables: Halve the cherry tomatoes, slice the black olives, shred the carrots, dice the red bell pepper, and chop the fresh parsley. Set them aside.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled angel hair pasta, cherry tomatoes, black olives, shredded carrots, diced red bell pepper, and chopped parsley. Pour in the Italian dressing and toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Add Parmesan and Chill: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the salad and toss lightly to distribute. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Rinsing the pasta under cold water helps to cool it quickly and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- You can substitute Italian dressing with your favorite vinaigrette for a different flavor profile.
- For added protein, consider mixing in grilled chicken or chickpeas.
- The salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and kept refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best taste and texture.
