Looking for the perfect side dish this summer? This recipe lets the simple flavors of lemon, garlic and fresh basil shine for a light and quick component to a meal, perfect for those warm summer days. Tomatoes provide a variety of vitamins and minerals including vitamin c, potassium, vitamin K and folate (vitamin B6). Shallots are also packed with beneficial vitamins and minerals such as; calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamins A, C and B.

Prep Time: 5 minutes             Cook Time: 20 minutes        Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces of gluten free pasta, dry
• 4 large ripe tomatoes, diced
• 1 or 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 medium shallot, diced
• 3/4 cup fresh basil, rough chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to the instructions on the box. Once cooked to al dente (slightly firm texture) drain and immediately place into large salad bowl.
2. Mix in diced shallots, minced garlic, diced tomato, lemon juice, olive oil, and basil. Toss well to complete coat pasta.
3. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve room temperature or refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Enjoy!

Easy Pasta Salad Recipe Variations

This pasta salad is fantastic as-is, but feel free to change it up to match your tastes or the ingredients in your pantry. Here are a few suggestions:

• Add a little protein! Add chickpeas or other favorite hearty legume to your salad.
• Cheese, please. Feta would go great with this dish!
• Go Greek. To make this recipe more of a Greek pasta salad, add kalamata or black olives and a half cup of thinly sliced red onion.
• Try a caprese combo. Use halved mini mozzarella balls in place of the feta.
• Get your greens in.  Add a handful or arugula or spinach to up the ante of vegetables.