Oriental salad with pasta instead of potatoes

Oriental Pasta Salad – An Unusual Delicacy

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

If you are looking for an innovative salad recipe that brings a touch of freshness and flavor to your meals, you have come to the right place. This oriental pasta salad, replacing traditional potatoes with delicious pasta, is a recipe that will surely win the hearts of your colleagues, friends, and family. Whether you prepare it for a festive meal or for a quick lunch, it is an excellent choice!

A Brief Story

The origins of this salad are deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of regions that combine simple and versatile ingredients. The idea of combining pasta with fresh vegetables and olives reflects the desire to create harmonious dishes that can be easily customized according to individual preferences. This recipe was adapted by a colleague of mine who does not like potatoes, offering a creative and delicious alternative.

Ingredients

- 250 g pasta (shells, conchiglie, or other preferred shapes)
- 1 liter of water (enough to cover the pasta twice)
- 1 tablespoon of salt (for boiling water)
- 1 large red bell pepper (washed and sliced)
- 150 g bacon (sliced thinly)
- 100 g pitted olives (sliced)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs (sliced)
- 1 onion (sliced thinly)
- 3 pickles (sliced)
- Juice of one lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- 200 g mayonnaise (or more, to taste)

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Marinating the Onion: Start by slicing the onion thinly. Place the onion in a bowl and add lemon juice, salt, and enough water to cover it. Let it marinate for about 1 hour. This step will not only soften the onion but will also give it a pleasant flavor, reducing its intensity.

2. Boiling the Pasta: In a large pot, bring 1 liter of water with one tablespoon of salt to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Let it boil according to the package instructions, usually between 8-12 minutes, until tender. After boiling, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse under cold water to prevent sticking.

3. Preparing the Ingredients: While the pasta is boiling, prepare the other ingredients. Slice the bell pepper and bacon thinly. The olives and pickles will complete this salad full of textures.

4. Assembling the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the drained onion, boiled pasta, bell pepper, bacon, olives, and pickles. Gently mix to avoid crushing the pasta. This combination of ingredients will create a colorful and appetizing salad.

5. Preparing the Mayonnaise: If you want to make mayonnaise at home, use one egg yolk, one teaspoon of mustard with horseradish, and oil gradually, mixing continuously until you achieve a thicker consistency. Add 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise over the ingredients in the bowl and mix carefully. You can adjust the amount of mayonnaise according to your preferences.

6. Decorating: Garnish the salad with slices of hard-boiled egg. If you have prepared more mayonnaise, you can keep it handy for those who want to add more.

Chef's Tip

- Pasta Variations: You can experiment with different types of pasta, such as fusilli or penne, based on your preferences. Whole grain pasta can also be a good choice for a healthier option.
- Additional Add-ins: Try adding some cubes of feta cheese or mozzarella for extra creaminess. You can also add fresh dill or parsley for a fresher taste.
- Cold Salad: This salad is best served cold, so you can prepare it a few hours before serving.

Nutritional Benefits

This oriental pasta salad is an excellent source of carbohydrates from the pasta, protein from the bacon and eggs, as well as vitamins and minerals from the vegetables. It is a balanced meal that provides energy and essential nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use whole grain pasta?
Yes, whole grain pasta is an excellent choice to add fiber and make the salad healthier.

2. What other ingredients can I add?
You can add corn, cherry tomatoes, or even avocado for a creamy touch.

3. How can I adapt the recipe for vegans?
You can replace the bacon with marinated tofu or tempeh and use vegan mayonnaise.

Serving and Pairing

This oriental pasta salad pairs perfectly with a cold drink, such as mint iced tea or fresh lemonade. It can also be an excellent accompaniment to barbecue or other baked dishes, bringing a delicious contrast of textures and flavors.

I wish you much success in preparing this salad! Every bite will be an explosion of flavors and a pleasure for all who savor it. Bon appétit!