Perfect Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta salad is a popular choice for summer barbecues or casual gatherings with friends. This light and refreshing dish can be served as a main course or a side to accompany grilled meats and veggies. The following recipe will help you prepare a delicious pasta salad that combines all the best flavors of classic Italian cuisine, ensuring each bite has just the right amount of seasoning.

This simple yet satisfying pasta salad features large shells (farfalle), which are tossed with a homemade dressing made from mayonnaise, lemon juice, and olive oil. The salad is enhanced by colorful vegetables such as cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and green bell peppers. A few olives and capers add a bit of saltiness and acidity to complement the sweetness of the pasta. For added flavor, we’ll sauté some garlic in olive oil before mixing it all together.

Here’s what you will need:

• 500 grams farfalle pasta
• 200 ml mayonnaise
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced thinly
• ¼ cup capers, drained and rinsed
• 10 pitted kalamata olives, chopped finely
• 2 cloves garlic
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Parmesan cheese (optional)

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Number of servings: 6 people

Preparation Steps:

1. Step One: Boiling Pasta. Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Once boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente – this will take about 8-10 minutes for most types of pasta. After cooking, drain the pasta thoroughly but save a cup of the pasta water to use later.
2. Step Two: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat until it shimmers. Add 2 cloves of garlic and sauté for about one minute or until soft. Remove from heat immediately after the garlic turns golden brown to avoid burning, which can alter its flavor profile drastically.
3. Step Three: Make the Dressing. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, remaining olive oil, salt, and black pepper to taste. If you prefer a creamier salad, add some Parmesan cheese for extra texture.
4. Step Four: Combine All Ingredients. Place the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add the sautéed garlic, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, green bell peppers, capers, and olives to the bowl. Mix everything well using tongs or a spoon so that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Step Five: Adjust Consistency with Pasta Water. Depending on how dry you want your pasta salad, add some of the reserved pasta water while stirring continuously until reaching desired consistency.
6. Step Six: Chill Before Serving. Once fully mixed and adjusted to taste, refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld together better.

Tips & Variations:

• If you're looking for a lighter version of this dish, consider reducing the amount of mayonnaise used in the dressing or using plain Greek yogurt instead.
• To give your pasta salad an extra zing, add some fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving.
• For added color and crunch, you could include additional ingredients such as red onions or black olives. Adjust proportions based on personal preference.

Pasta salad is not only delightful in taste but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it warm or cold, alone or with other dishes like grilled chicken or fish. Whether you're hosting a summer party or simply having dinner at home, this pasta salad recipe will surely impress your guests and satisfy everyone's palates!