Description
A bright, refreshing pasta salad bursting with citrus zest, juicy mandarin oranges, sweet grape tomatoes, and fragrant basil, perfect for hot summer days.
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup SOOC Basil Olive Oil, more if desired
- 2 lemons, zest and juice
- 2 limes, zest and juice
- 1 box of Pretty Pasta
- 3 cups mandarin oranges, drained
- 3 cups golden grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 large bunch fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the Pretty Pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl combine the cooled pasta, mandarin oranges, and halved grape tomatoes.
- Whisk together the SOOC Basil Olive Oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, lime zest, lime juice, extra‑virgin olive oil, honey, and white wine vinegar to create the dressing.
- Pour the citrus dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Fold in the chopped fresh basil and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning or add more olive oil if desired for extra richness.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
For a heartier salad, add grilled shrimp or cubed feta cheese. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: cold
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: summer,citrus,pasta salad,fresh basil,mandarin oranges