Aperol-Infused Pasta Salad
A vibrant, citrusy pasta salad infused with Aperol's bittersweet essence, perfect for a refreshing summer meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs spaghetti pasta, Aperol, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz spaghetti pasta
- 3 tbsp Aperol
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 small, diced red onion
- 12, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together Aperol, lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 3: Toss pasta with the dressing, then add chopped parsley, diced onion, and halved cherry tomatoes. Mix until evenly coated.
- Step 4: Chill for 30 minutes before serving, allowing the citrus notes to meld with the Aperol's bitterness.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Pasta Salad take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (20 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Aperol-Infused Pasta Salad?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep spaghetti pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Pasta Salad?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Aperol-Infused Pasta Salad for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Aperol-Infused Pasta Salad?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Love how the Italian come through in every bite.
- ★★★★☆
Almost perfect — just needed a squeeze of lemon at the end.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
