If you’re looking to add a delightful and flexible dish to your culinary repertoire, pasta salad is the perfect choice. Ideal for picnics, barbecues, or as a light meal, pasta salad combines the comforting heartiness of pasta with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a tangy dressing. Let me guide you through crafting this refreshing classic in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 400g pasta (fusilli, rotini, penne, or farfalle work best)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
- Drain and Cool: Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Dressing
- Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Combine Dressing: Whisk together or shake the jar vigorously until the dressing is well emulsified.
3. Assemble the Salad
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, black olives, and crumbled feta cheese if using.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Add Fresh Herbs
- Incorporate Herbs: Add the chopped fresh basil and parsley to the salad.
- Final Toss: Give the salad another gentle toss to mix in the herbs thoroughly.
5. Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Enjoy your pasta salad chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Success
- Pasta Choice: Opt for short pasta shapes with ridges or twists, like fusilli or rotini, which hold onto the dressing and herbs effectively.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, roasted red peppers, or artichoke hearts based on your preference.
- Protein Boost: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or mozzarella balls.
- Make Ahead: Pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve as they sit.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising on taste.
- Adjusting Acidity: If you prefer a more tangy dressing, add an extra tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Conclusion
By mastering this pasta salad recipe, you’re embracing a dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also endlessly customizable. This vibrant salad brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors that are sure to impress at any gathering. Share this refreshing and flavorful dish with family and friends, and enjoy the versatility it brings to your table. Buon appetito!