Perfect Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta salad is a delightful summer dish that combines the versatility of pasta with fresh vegetables and herbs to create a refreshing side or main course. Today we will delve into making an easy yet delicious pasta salad recipe. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, picnics, or simply as a light meal on its own, this dish can be customized according to your taste preferences.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)

Servings: 8-10

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of your favorite pasta, such as penne or fusilli
• 1 cucumber, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced (optional)
• 1/3 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Dressing of your choice: A simple vinaigrette made with 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Instructions:

To start preparing the perfect pasta salad recipe, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt the water generously; this will season your pasta wonderfully. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm but not hard). Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, transfer the pasta into a large mixing bowl.

Next, add the cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, olives, parsley or cilantro to the pasta. Give everything a good mix until all components are evenly distributed throughout the salad. Pour in the olive oil and lemon juice over the mixture along with salt and black pepper to taste.

If you prefer to make your own dressing, whisk together Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar), extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper until it emulsifies into a smooth consistency. Drizzle this dressing over the pasta salad for an extra burst of flavor before serving.

Tips and Variations:

For added texture and flavor, you can include additional ingredients such as cooked shrimp or chicken, crumbled feta cheese, or roasted garlic. You could also experiment with different types of vinegar like balsamic for a sweeter dressing, or use lemon zest instead of just juice.

Serving Suggestions:

1. As an appetizer before your main course
2. To accompany grilled meats and fish during barbecues
3. On its own as a light lunch when paired with slices of fresh bread or baguette

Pasta salad can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for those busy weeknights or long days. Just remember to refrigerate it after mixing the ingredients so that the flavors have enough time to meld together. This dish also travels well in packed lunches because it stays fresh without requiring additional refrigeration until you are ready to eat.

Conclusion: With its simplicity and adaptability, this pasta salad recipe provides a satisfying meal that caters to various tastes. Whether you're looking for a quick side dish or something more substantial, this versatile dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Try it out and enjoy creating your own custom version!

Remember, cooking with fresh ingredients makes all the difference in achieving the perfect flavor combination.