Vegetable salad with pasta

Vegetable Pasta Salad: A Culinary Delight in Color and Flavor

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4

On hot summer days or when we want to enjoy a light and healthy meal, vegetable pasta salad becomes the ideal choice. This recipe is not only simple and quick, but it offers an explosion of flavors and colors, making it perfect for any meal, whether it’s a family dinner or a picnic with friends.

A brief story about vegetable pasta salad

Pasta salads have become popular due to their versatility. Their origins are deeply rooted in the culinary traditions of various cultures, where pasta and vegetables combine to create a nutritious, easy-to-make, and flavorful meal. They are often customized based on available ingredients, making them a perfect dish for experimenting in the kitchen.

Necessary ingredients

To prepare a delicious vegetable pasta salad, you will need:

- 250 g pasta (preferably penne or farfalle)
- 4 green onions
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 2 cucumbers
- 1 small head of lettuce
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vinegar (preferably balsamic or wine)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient details

- Pasta: Choose whole grain pasta for superior nutritional value and a more interesting texture.
- Green onions: Add a crunch and flavor, while the green leaves bring a note of freshness.
- Tomatoes: Use ripe, juicy tomatoes to give the salad a sweet and delicious taste.
- Cucumbers: They add a crunchy texture, perfect for contrast with the pasta.
- Lettuce: Provides volume and a vibrant appearance, making the salad more appealing.

Step-by-step preparation

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, add salted water and bring it to a boil. Add the pasta and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until 'al dente'. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, vinegar, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the oil and vinegar blend into a uniform dressing.

3. Prepare the vegetables: Wash the vegetables well under cold water. Peel the cucumbers if preferred, and cut them into cubes or thin slices. Dice the tomatoes and slice the green onions.

4. Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained pasta (let it cool slightly), the chopped vegetables, and the prepared dressing. Gently mix everything so that the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.

5. Serving: The vegetable pasta salad is best served immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for an hour or two. Serve it on a bed of lettuce leaves for an elegant and fresh appearance.

Serving suggestions and variations

This salad is extremely versatile. You can add ingredients like olives, feta cheese, or mozzarella, or even grilled chicken cubes for an extra protein boost. Also, experiment with different types of dressings, such as yogurt-based or spicy sauces.

Calories and nutritional benefits

This salad is a healthy option, having about 250-300 calories per serving, depending on the amount of oil used. It is rich in vitamins A and C, thanks to the fresh vegetables, and provides complex carbohydrates from the pasta, offering long-lasting energy.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use gluten-free pasta? Absolutely! There are a variety of gluten-free pastas available that will work perfectly with this recipe.
- How can I keep the salad from getting soggy? Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the crunchy texture of the vegetables.
- What drinks pair well with vegetable pasta salad? A dry white wine or a cold herbal tea are excellent choices to accompany this salad.

Tips for a perfect result

- Make sure the pasta is not overcooked, as it will become soft and sticky. Check it a few minutes before the indicated time.
- Use seasonal vegetables to benefit from the best flavors and textures.
- Feel free to adapt the dressing to personal preferences by adding spices like oregano or basil for a more intense flavor.

Enjoy this vegetable pasta salad as a main dish or as a side to grilled meat. Regardless of the occasion, it is a choice that will surely impress anyone who tastes it. Bon appétit!