Perfect Pasta Salad Recipe

Looking for a refreshing summer dish that can be served as an appetizer or main course? Perfect Pasta Salad is the answer! This versatile recipe will satisfy both adults and children alike. In this article, you will learn how to prepare a delicious and nutritious pasta salad.

To begin with, this perfect pasta salad requires basic ingredients such as cooked pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli or even rotini), cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, olives, and basil. You also need a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and parsley for the dressing. The cooking time is approximately 30 minutes, and it serves four people.

Start by boiling your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain them in a colander under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool down. Afterward, cut the cherry tomatoes into halves and slice the cucumber, red onion, bell peppers, and olives if needed.

While the pasta is still hot from boiling, toss it with half of your dressing. Let this mixture sit for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to develop. In a separate bowl, combine all the vegetables and add them to the pasta once they have cooled down. Toss everything together gently until evenly distributed.

Now that you’ve prepared all ingredients, it's time to mix up your dressing. Combine olive oil with lemon juice, salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried oregano, and parsley in a small bowl. Blend the mixture thoroughly before pouring it over the pasta salad. Toss again until everything is well coated.

Finally, garnish the top of your perfect pasta salad with additional fresh basil leaves if desired. You can refrigerate this dish for at least two hours or overnight to let all flavors meld together perfectly. Serve chilled or at room temperature depending on personal preference.

Benefits and Nutritional Information

Perfect Pasta Salad offers several health benefits due to its combination of whole grains from the pasta, vitamins C and E present in tomatoes, potassium in cucumbers, fiber content from bell peppers and onions. It also provides essential minerals like magnesium and phosphorus found within olives.

• Pasta: A great source of carbohydrates which fuel our bodies
• Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants that protect cells against damage
• Cucumbers: Hydrating and help maintain electrolyte balance
• Bell peppers: Packed with vitamin B6, which supports brain development and function
• Olive Oil: Contains healthy fats that aid in digestion and absorption of nutrients

The total calorie count per serving is approximately 350 calories. However, this can vary depending on the size of the pasta portions used as well as additional toppings or garnishes added.

Variations and Additions

This perfect pasta salad recipe offers plenty of flexibility for customization based on personal taste preferences. For example, you could add cooked shrimp, chicken breast strips, or crumbled feta cheese to make it more protein-packed. Another variation would be swapping out the bell peppers for zucchini or eggplant slices.

1. Shrimp: Toss in some peeled and deveined shrimp right before tossing everything together
2. Feta Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over top after adding dressing
3. Zucchini: Use medium-sized zucchini instead of bell peppers for a different texture and flavor profile.

In conclusion, perfect pasta salad is an easy yet impressive dish that can be prepared ahead of time making it ideal for picnics, potlucks, or even family dinners. Its versatility allows you to tailor the ingredients according to what’s available in your pantry while ensuring a delicious outcome every single time.