As the temperatures rise and summer settles in, there's nothing quite like a refreshing pasta salad to brighten up your table and satisfy your hunger. This delightful dish combines the simplicity of pasta with the vibrant crunch of fresh vegetables, making it a perfect choice for picnics, potlucks, or even a light dinner at home.
Pasta salad is not just a dish; it's a versatile canvas for creativity. Unlike its hot counterparts, this cold pasta salad offers a cool and invigorating experience, making it ideal for hot summer days. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability—you can toss in whatever fresh veggies you have on hand, creating a colorful medley that's as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
The secret to a stellar pasta salad lies in the quality of its ingredients. Opt for ripe, juicy tomatoes bursting with sweetness, crisp cucumbers that provide a refreshing crunch, and bell peppers that add a burst of color. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to the salad's aromatic appeal. Combined with al dente pasta, these ingredients create a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Another reason to love pasta salad is its versatility. It can stand alone as a satisfying meal or serve as a delightful side dish to complement grilled meats or seafood. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your preferences—the possibilities are endless, ensuring that you never get bored with this dish.
Whether you're looking for a quick and easy meal or a stunning side dish, this recipe delivers on both taste and satisfaction. So, gather your ingredients, get cooking, and let this pasta salad brighten up your table and your taste buds this summer season!
You will need:
For about 2 servings
● 80 g. uncooked pasta of your choice
● 5-6 small tomatoes
● 40 g. cucumber
● 40 g. red sweet pepper
● About 10 g. onion (1 tablespoon chopped)
● 30 g. black pitted olives (10 olives)
● 2 tablespoons of olive oil
● 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
● ¼ teaspoon of ground pepper
● ¼ teaspoon of salt (or more, to taste)
● ¼ teaspoon of dried oregano
● 0,5 teaspoon of garlic powder
● 0,5 teaspoon of ground cumin
● Fresh herbs of your choice (dill, onion leaves, etc.)
Preparation
1.Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packaging and leave to cool completely.
2.Chop the onion, bell pepper, cucumber, halve or finely chop the tomatoes and slice the olives.
3.Mix all the vegetables with the cooled pasta.
4.Mix the pasta with the oil, lemon juice and all the spices.
5.Garnish with fresh herbs. Eat cold, or top with other vegetables or salads (spinach, arugula, etc.).
Enjoy!
