Perfectly Balanced Pasta Salad Recipe

Pasta salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed both as a main course or as a refreshing side dish during the summer months. This recipe focuses on creating a balance of flavors and textures, ensuring every bite is satisfying without being overly heavy. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simple weeknight meals, this pasta salad will surely impress your guests.

For this pasta salad, you’ll need:

• 1 pound of small pasta (such as bow-tie or penne)
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup of green onions, sliced
• ½ cup of pitted olives (optional)
• 3 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cooking Time: 40 minutes

Number of Servings: Approximately 6-8 people

Instructions

1. Boil the Pasta: Start by boiling your pasta in salted water for approximately 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process.
2. Cook Vegetables Separately: While the pasta is cooking, prepare other vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell pepper, and green onions. You can cook them separately if you prefer, but for this recipe, they are added raw to keep their crispness.
3. Mix All Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with all the prepared vegetables. Toss gently so that each piece of pasta is well coated. Add olives if desired and mix again.
4. Dress It Up: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper in a small bowl until fully combined. Pour this dressing over your salad and toss thoroughly to ensure all components are evenly coated with the flavors.
5. Garnish and Chill: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before chilling for at least one hour or up to four hours to allow flavors to meld together properly.

Tips for Success

• Use a variety of pasta: Different types of pasta add layers to the texture and flavor. Try using different shapes like bow-tie, penne, or even farfalle if you have them available in your pantry.
• Experiment with dressing: Feel free to change up the type of oil used (like avocado oil instead of olive) or add more lemon zest for a zesty twist. You can also include garlic cloves for extra flavor.
• Add protein: If you're making this as part of your meal, consider adding some grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make it a main course dish.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

This pasta salad is not only delicious but also quite nutritious. It provides a good source of fiber from vegetables and whole grains like pasta along with healthy fats from olive oil. Here’s an estimate for each serving:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 6g

Variations and Substitutions

If you want to switch things up, here are a few ideas:

• Different greens: You can use different leafy greens like arugula or spinach instead of using cucumbers.
• Change the dressing: If you prefer something sweeter, try adding a touch of honey along with your usual lemon juice and olive oil. Another option is balsamic vinegar for added depth.
• Try different pasta: For variety, use different shapes or types such as fusilli or rotini.

Fresh Pasta Salad Ideas

To make your salad even more enjoyable, here are some ideas to try out:

• Add some grilled chicken breast pieces for protein and extra flavor.
• Include fresh basil leaves which not only add color but also enhance the taste of the dish.
• Incorporate some feta cheese to provide a salty contrast to sweetness provided by tomatoes or olives.

This balanced pasta salad recipe offers an easy yet impressive way to bring something special to your dining table. Whether you're looking for light lunch options or want to serve up something substantial at dinner, this dish caters well in either scenario. Try it out and let us know how you liked it!