Pasta with Salad: A Refreshing and Easy Recipe
Pasta salad is a classic dish that's perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or a satisfying dinner. This recipe combines the heartiness of pasta with the freshness of a vibrant salad, creating a delicious and versatile meal. It's incredibly easy to customize to your liking, so feel free to experiment with different vegetables, proteins, and dressings!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight meal.
- Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape (rotini, farfalle, or penne work well). Consider whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
- Vegetables: This is where you can get creative! Here's a suggestion:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper (any color), diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, halved (optional)
- Protein (optional): Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or white beans add extra protein and flavor. About 1 cup of cooked protein is a good starting point.
- Dressing: A simple vinaigrette is best. Try this:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cheese (optional): Feta cheese crumbles or shredded parmesan cheese adds a salty, tangy flavor.
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, wash and chop all your vegetables. If using grilled chicken or other protein, prepare that beforehand as well.
- Combine everything: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, prepared vegetables, and any protein you're using.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Add cheese (optional): If using cheese, sprinkle it over the salad just before serving.
- Chill (optional): For a colder salad, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Tips and Variations:
- Experiment with different vegetables: Add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli florets, carrots, zucchini, or artichoke hearts.
- Add herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, or parsley add a burst of flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it a complete meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, chickpeas, or white beans for extra protein.
- Customize your dressing: Experiment with different types of vinegar, oils, or add a touch of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
This pasta salad recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination of flavors and textures! Enjoy!
