creamy summer pasta salad with belgioioso shaved parmesan
Harlan Handerson
Ingredients
- Fresh cherry tomatoes
- Bell peppers (red, green, and yellow)
- Cucumber
- Radicchio (optional, for a sweet-savory contrast)
- Shaved BelGioioso Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
- Cherry or grape halved olives
- Artichoke hearts in brine
- Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish and flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Lime zest (optional, for a zingy twist)
### Keywords and SEO Optimization:
- **BelGioioso Parmigiano-Reggiano**
- **Creamy summer pasta salad recipe**
- **Fresh cherry tomatoes in pasta salads**
- **Bell peppers for summer pasta**
- **Cucumber in pasta salad**
- **Radicchio for a sweet-savory pasta dish**
- **Olives and artichokes for Mediterranean flavor**
- **Garlic and basil for Italian pasta dishes**
- **Extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice dressing**
- **Pasta salads with shaved Parmesan**
Steps
### Creamy Summer Pasta Salad with Belgioioso Shaved Parmesan
#### Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) of your favorite pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
- 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, roughly torn
- 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp of lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of Belgioioso Shaved Parmesan Cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper
#### Equipment Needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Mixing bowl
---
### Step-by-Step Guide:
#### Step 1: Cook the Pasta
1. **Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil** over high heat.
2. **Add your choice of pasta**, stirring occasionally, and cook according to package instructions until al dente (typically about 8-10 minutes).
3. **Drain the pasta** in a colander and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking.
#### Step 2: Prepare Vegetables
1. **Slice the cherry tomatoes** in half.
2. **Dice the cucumber** into small cubes.
3. **Finely chop the red onion** to give your salad a sweet-tangy flavor.
4. **Tear the basil leaves** gently for a fresh taste.
#### Step 3: Create the Dressing
1. In a small bowl, mix together **2 tablespoons of lemon juice**, **1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil**, and add minced garlic if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Whisk until well combined.
#### Step 4: Combine Ingredients
1. **Transfer the pasta** into a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and torn basil leaves.
3. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
#### Step 5: Add Shaved Parmesan Cheese
1. Sprinkle **1/4 cup of Belgioioso Shaved Parmesan Cheese** over the pasta salad just before serving. This adds a delicious, creamy flavor.
2. Toss again lightly to incorporate the cheese into the mixture.
#### Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let your summer pasta salad sit for about 30 minutes at room temperature before serving to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for the best texture and taste.
### SEO-Friendly Keywords:
- Creamy Summer Pasta Salad
- Shaved Parmesan Cheese
- Belgioioso Cheese
- Fresh Summer Vegetables
- Al Dente Pasta
By following these steps, you'll create a vibrant and delicious summer pasta salad that is perfect for any gathering or a simple meal. Enjoy your creamy, flavorful dish!