Perfectly Balanced Pasta Salad for Summer BBQs

Keyword: balanced pasta salad

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities and social gatherings like barbecues, picnics, and potlucks. For these occasions, you need a dish that can be easily served and enjoyed by all age groups. One such dish is the perfectly balanced pasta salad. This versatile recipe combines fresh ingredients with simple yet effective seasonings to create an appealing meal for everyone.

Ingredients:

• 6 oz (170g) spiral pasta
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup green bell peppers, diced
• 1 cup cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of feta cheese for a tangy finish (optional)

Cooking Time: Approximately 45 minutes, including cooling time.

Servings: This recipe serves about 6 people.

Step-by-Step Instructions

To prepare the balanced pasta salad, follow these easy steps:

1. Start by boiling your pasta. Place a large pot of salted water over high heat and bring it to a boil. Add the 6 oz (170g) of spiral pasta and cook for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain well when done and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables by washing them thoroughly under cold water. Once ready, slice the cherry tomatoes in half; dice the green bell pepper, cucumber, and red onion into small cubes; chop parsley finely using a knife or food processor. Set all prepared ingredients aside on separate plates.

3. While waiting for pasta to cool down, mix together olive oil (3 tablespoons), lemon juice (2 tablespoons), salt, pepper in a medium-sized bowl until well combined. This will be your dressing for the salad.

4. Add cooked and cooled pasta along with all other prepared vegetables into one large mixing bowl. Pour over the dressing mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure each piece of pasta and vegetable is coated evenly.

5. Once everything is mixed together, let your salad sit for at least 30 minutes before serving so that flavors can meld properly. Optionally add crumbled feta cheese just before eating if desired for extra flavor!

Tips & Variations

If you want to change things up a bit, feel free! Here are some tips and variations:

• Use different pasta shapes: Try mixing various types of noodles such as bow ties or rotini for added texture.
• Add more protein: Consider adding cooked shrimp or chicken breast cubes to increase the nutritional profile of your dish.
• Change up the vegetables: Feel free to substitute some of these ingredients with others like zucchini, carrots, celery sticks, etc., depending on what fresh produce you have available locally.
• Variety in dressing choices: You could also experiment with different types of dressings like balsamic glaze or ranch for a new taste experience!

Health Benefits & Nutritional Value

This balanced pasta salad offers numerous health benefits due to its high content of fiber-rich vegetables, whole grains from the pasta, and heart-healthy fats found in olive oil. It's low in calories but packed full of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which support overall well-being.

The recipe provides approximately 290 kcal per serving with about 35 grams carbohydrate content (of which 17g come from fiber), 14g fat (mostly unsaturated fats), 8g protein, alongside various micronutrients including vitamin C, potassium, folate, and iron.

Conclusion

A balanced pasta salad is an excellent choice for any summer get-together because it's easy to prepare in advance, looks great at picnics, tastes wonderful when enjoyed with friends, and satisfies all palates! Whether served cold or slightly warm, this dish brings freshness and vitality wherever it goes. Try making this simple yet impressive meal today and impress your guests!