Perfectly Balanced Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a popular dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a refreshing side to any meal. This recipe provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures with an assortment of ingredients that come together seamlessly.

This pasta salad serves 4 people and takes about 35 minutes to prepare, including cooking time for the pasta and chilling time before serving. Here is how you can make it:

Ingredients

• 1 box (8 oz) of your favorite pasta shape - we recommend cherry or bow-tie pasta for this recipe.
• 1 small red onion, sliced thinly.
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved.
• 1 cucumber, chopped into cubes.
• 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, finely chopped.
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Steps to Prepare Pasta Salad

Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain it thoroughly and set aside to cool down completely. While the pasta is cooling, prepare all other ingredients mentioned above: slice the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, chop the cucumber into small cubes, and finely chop the parsley.

Once the pasta has cooled off, mix in the prepared vegetables and herbs with the drained pasta. In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice to create a dressing that will be drizzled over the salad. Add salt and pepper according to your taste preference before combining everything together. Ensure all elements are well mixed.

After mixing thoroughly, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least an hour so the flavors have time to meld together properly. This also allows any excess moisture from ingredients like cucumbers to evaporate slightly, which results in a more enjoyable texture when served cold.

Tips and Variations

If you want to make this dish extra special, consider adding some protein such as grilled chicken or boiled shrimp. You could also add some feta cheese for an interesting flavor contrast. For those who love crunchiness, sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top just before serving.

This pasta salad is not only delicious but also healthy due to its variety of fresh vegetables and lean proteins. It’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or casual get-togethers because it can be prepared ahead of time and doesn't require constant supervision once assembled. Its versatility allows you to adjust ingredients based on what's available locally while keeping the core flavor profile intact.

Conclusion

Pasta salad is an easy yet impressive dish that every household should have in their recipe repertoire. By following these simple steps, you can create a delightful meal that satisfies your taste buds without breaking the bank or requiring complex cooking techniques.