Gemelli Pasta Salad Recipe
This gemelli pasta salad recipe was developed exclusively for Nuts.com and our customers by Miryam Quinn Doblas, Registered Dietitian (RD). Miryam shares her passion for food and nutrition on her website, Eat Good 4 Life.
Summer is the time for picnics and potlucks with family and friends. I created this gemelli pasta salad recipe with those gatherings in mind. For these events, I always try to bring dishes that are quick, yet healthy and delicious, which I know everyone will enjoy. Made with artisanal pasta and fresh produce, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser for kids and grownups alike.
Gemelli is named after the Italian word for twins. The pasta appears as if two strands are wrapped around one another, although it is simply one piece of pasta twisted into a spiral. This shape is ideal for holding sauce and clinging onto leafy vegetables like arugula or spinach.
The gemelli I used in this recipe belongs to a family of artisanal pasta. Made simply from 100% semolina flour and water, the gemelli is extruded through authentic brass dies to shape the pasta and produce a rougher surface that holds sauce well. Afterward, the pasta is dried for a period of 24 to 36 hours, to preserve the flavor and contribute to its superior quality.
This versatile pasta is delicious with both tomato and cream-based sauces, and is wonderful tossed with olive oil as I have done in this recipe. Feel free to incorporate any fresh veggies, mushrooms, or herbs of your choice. Canned tuna would also be a nice addition to this gemelli pasta salad.
Sure to be a hit at any summertime party, this dish is also ideal for weeknight dinners. The gemelli pasta cooks up in less than 15 minutes so you can have dinner ready in no time. Plus, leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days so you could also enjoy some pasta at work throughout the week. If you’ve never tried artisanal pasta before, you’re in for a real treat!
Ingredients
- 12 oz. bag of gemelli pasta
- 1 lb. cherry tomatoes, chopped
- 4 oz. fresh basil
- 4-6 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp crushed black pepper
Instructions
- Bring 4-5 quarts of water to a boil and add a touch of salt. Gently add gemelli pasta and stir for one minute. Lightly boil for 8 -10 minutes or until “al dente."
- Drain the pasta and allow it to cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the pasta and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days.
This recipe was developed and photographed exclusively for Nuts.com by Miryam Quinn Doblas, RD, of Eat Good 4 Life.
3 Responses to “Gemelli Pasta Salad Recipe”
Looks good, and ia simple to make, especially since we have all the FRESH ingredients.
Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Looking foeward to more recipes