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Rolling Sauce

Simple Italian Pasta Salad

A no-cook-dressing pasta salad with just six ingredients β€” bowtie pasta, tomatoes, black olives, fresh basil, garlic, and a sharp lemon-olive oil dressing. Ready in about 20 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

Pasta Salad
  • - 8 oz 220 g bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • - salt and pepper to taste
  • - 6 medium tomatoes about 90 g each, flesh diced
  • - 1 jar 4.4 oz / 125 g whole black olives, sliced
  • - 1 bunch fresh basil roughly chopped or torn
Dressing
  • - ΒΌ cup 60 ml olive oil
  • - 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • - 4 cloves garlic crushed
  • - salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, following the package timing. Drain and let cool slightly in a wide bowl β€” don't rinse.
  2. While the pasta cooks, dice the tomato flesh into small cubes, slice the black olives into thin rounds, and roughly chop or tear the basil leaves.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice with the crushed garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine the slightly cooled pasta with the diced tomatoes, sliced olives, and basil in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over everything and toss until evenly coated.
  5. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving if you have time β€” it gets better the longer it sits.

Notes

  • Storage: Keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Refresh with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon if it dries out.
  • Make ahead: Make up to 24 hours in advance. For best texture, prep the tomatoes, olives, and dressing separately and combine with the pasta within 1-2 hours of serving.
  • Swap: Any short pasta shape works (rotini, penne, shells). Swap basil for oregano or mint. Add mozzarella, feta, shredded chicken, or shrimp for a heartier meal.