Perfectly Balanced Pasta Salad

Pasta salad is a refreshing dish that can be enjoyed hot or cold. Perfectly balanced pasta salad combines the flavors of classic Italian ingredients with the versatility of different vegetables and proteins.

This recipe serves 6 people, taking approximately 30 minutes to prepare.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (about 1 pound) pasta: we use penne for a classic texture but you can choose any type of pasta you prefer.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Boil water in a large pot and add the pasta. Follow the package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes).
2. Cook your vegetables while the pasta is cooking: In a medium pan, warm up olive oil over medium heat, then sauté the diced red bell pepper for about 5 minutes or until softened.
3. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and green onions to the pan. Let it cook together for another minute until the vegetables are heated through but still retain their vibrant colors.
4. Drain the pasta, reserving some water if necessary (to help with binding in later steps). Rinse the pasta under cold water to stop cooking. Drain well and place into a large mixing bowl.
5. Add the sautéed vegetables and cucumber slices to the pasta. Stir together gently so as not to break the delicate strands of penne.
6. Whisk the lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until well combined. Drizzle this dressing over the pasta salad and toss everything together thoroughly.
7. Allow the pasta salad to chill for at least 30 minutes before serving; this allows flavors to meld nicely while also ensuring that all components are well cooled down.

Tips & Variations

• You can add more protein by including grilled chicken, shrimp, or chopped ham in the pasta salad. This will elevate it into a complete meal.
• To make this dish more substantial and filling for lunch or dinner, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette or as an accompaniment to garlic bread.

The perfect pasta salad should have all the components come together in harmony. It's about finding that balance between flavors—sweetness from the tomatoes, tartness from the lemon juice, freshness from the vegetables, and richness provided by olive oil.

If you're looking for a light yet satisfying side dish or main course, then this pasta salad is an excellent choice. The combination of textures (al dente pasta against crisp veggies) adds depth to every bite. Feel free to customize according to personal taste preferences, perhaps adding some herbs like basil or parsley at the end if preferred.

Remember that the key factor in making a successful pasta salad lies in its freshness; use quality ingredients and be mindful of how you handle them during preparation so as not to overcook anything. This will ensure your final dish tastes great without losing any nutritional value due to extended cooking times.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Per serving: Calories - around 350 kcal; Protein - about 14 grams; Carbohydrates - roughly 60 grams; Fat - approximately 18 grams. Please note these values may vary based on specific pasta and ingredient selection.

Conclusion

The perfectly balanced pasta salad offers a delightful mix of tastes and textures, making it suitable for various occasions from casual picnics to fancy dinner parties. By following this straightforward yet tasty recipe, you can create a meal that satisfies everyone's cravings, whether they are seeking something light or heartier.