Pasta with vegetables

Pasta Salad with Sautéed Vegetables and Yogurt - A Quick and Satisfying Delicacy

Total Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

Introduction

In a world where time is always limited, but the desire to enjoy a delicious meal remains constant, a pasta salad with sautéed vegetables and yogurt becomes the perfect choice. This recipe is not only simple but also full of flavors and textures, offering a perfect balance between fresh and cooked ingredients. So, let’s embark on a culinary journey and discover how to prepare this tasty pasta salad!

Necessary Ingredients

- 300 g pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fusilli, according to preference)
- 200 g cherry tomatoes
- 400 g mushrooms, preferably champignon
- 100 g pitted black olives
- 150 g yogurt (ideally Greek yogurt for a creamy texture)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 100 g grated classic cheese
- 1 green bell pepper
- 2 green onions
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 30 g butter
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8-12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta. Make sure the pasta is al dente to maintain a pleasant texture.

2. Cool the pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Then let it drain well in a colander.

3. Prepare the vegetables: Wash the cherry tomatoes and cut them into quarters. Dice the green bell pepper into small cubes and slice the green onions thinly. Mince the garlic cloves.

4. Sauté the mushrooms and vegetables: In a large skillet, melt the butter together with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms, garlic, green bell pepper, and green onions. Sauté everything for about 5-7 minutes until the mushrooms become golden and soft. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, cherry tomatoes, olives, grated cheese, oregano, and yogurt. Add the sautéed vegetable mixture and stir well to integrate all the flavors.

6. Serve and enjoy: You can serve the salad warm or at room temperature. A wonderful suggestion is to add an extra drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of oregano on top for a more intense look and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This pasta salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. You can accompany it with a fresh green salad or a slice of crusty bread. Additionally, a glass of dry white wine or freshly squeezed lemonade would perfectly complement the meal.

Variations and Tips

- Vary the ingredients: You can add seasonal vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or red bell pepper for an extra splash of color and nutrients.
- Get creative with the dressing: Instead of yogurt, you can use a mayonnaise-based sauce or a yogurt dressing with herbs for a different flavor.
- Add proteins: If you want to turn the salad into a main dish, you can add grilled chicken, tuna, or tofu.
- Gluten-free pasta: For a gluten-free option, use rice or quinoa pasta.

Nutritional Benefits

This pasta salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Cherry tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while mushrooms provide fiber and protein. Yogurt adds beneficial probiotics for the digestive system, and olives bring healthy fats. In total, a serving of pasta salad contains approximately 400-450 calories, depending on the added ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is an excellent choice for higher fiber intake.

2. How can I store the pasta salad?
You can store the salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Make sure to stir it well before serving again.

3. Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, the recipe is fully vegetarian and can be adapted for vegans by replacing the yogurt with a plant-based product.

4. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with various fresh herbs like basil or parsley to give the salad a different taste.

Conclusion

This pasta salad with sautéed vegetables and yogurt is a versatile and easy-to-make recipe, perfect for delighting your family or friends. With every bite, you will discover a mix of flavors and textures that will turn your meal into a memorable experience. Enjoy and happy cooking!