Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad with Sautéed Carrots and Mediterranean Dressing

Welcome to the delicious world of pasta salads! This recipe will not only bring a splash of color to your table, but it will also offer an explosion of flavors and textures. Pasta salad is not just a versatile dish, but also an excellent choice for quick lunches, informal dinners, or picnics with friends. Additionally, it is easy to adapt based on the ingredients you have on hand.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 200 g pasta (preferably penne or fusilli for texture)
- 150 g ham (cut into cubes)
- 1 red onion (julienned)
- 3-4 cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 bunch of lettuce (chopped)
- 6-8 baby carrots (boiled and then sautéed)
- 1 orange bell pepper (diced)
- 1 green bell pepper (diced)
- 1 can of corn (about 300 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil (for cooking and dressing)
- Rosemary (fresh or dried, to taste)
- 1 lemon (for dressing)
- 1 packet of Delikat Knorr Mediterranean

Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice of one large lemon
- Oregano or basil (optional, for extra flavor)

Step by step for a perfect salad:

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add salt and the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-12 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain and let cool.

2. Boil the carrots: In another pot, add water and the baby carrots. Boil for 15-20 minutes, checking to ensure they are tender but not too soft. Once cooked, drain and prepare for sautéing.

3. Sauté the carrots: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of butter. Add the boiled carrots and a pinch of rosemary. Sauté for 3-4 minutes to enhance their flavor and add a pleasant texture.

4. Prepare the vegetables: In a large bowl, combine the diced ham, red onion, cherry tomatoes, lettuce, orange bell pepper, green bell pepper, and drained corn.

5. Assemble the salad: Add the cooled pasta over the vegetables in the bowl. Then, incorporate the sautéed carrots and gently mix to avoid crushing the ingredients.

6. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, packet of Delikat Knorr Mediterranean, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the ingredients are fully integrated.

7. Finalizing the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently mix to coat all ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired.

8. Serving and suggestions: You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld. It pairs perfectly with a refreshing drink, such as iced tea or a light fruit cocktail. It is also great as a side dish alongside grilled meat.

Tips and variations:
- If you want to add extra protein, you can include cubes of feta cheese or grilled chicken.
- Instead of canned corn, you can use fresh boiled corn for a more intense flavor.
- Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as basil or mint, to completely change the flavor profile of the salad.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is rich in fiber due to the vegetables and whole grain pasta, and carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which supports eye health. Olive oil adds healthy fats, while lemon provides a boost of vitamin C.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of pasta? Absolutely! You can experiment with whole grain or gluten-free pasta, depending on your preferences.
- What if I don’t have Delikat Knorr Mediterranean? You can substitute with spices like garlic powder, oregano, and basil to achieve a similar flavor.
- How can I keep the salad fresh? Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its freshness, but avoid adding the dressing until serving time.

This pasta salad is not only delicious but also a healthy choice, perfect for any occasion! Enjoy!